Manila: Malaca±ang on Tuesday assured the public that the government will be transparent in utilizing public funds for the Philippines' hosting of this year's Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. would ensure that no irregularities would occur in the release and use of funds for ASEAN-related events and activities.
According to Philippines News Agency, Castro emphasized that the President is committed to preventing corruption, stating, 'Nagre-report naman po at makakaasa po kayo dahil ang Pangulo po ay ayaw po niya ng usapin patungkol sa korapsiyon kaya po makakaasa po kayo diyan (We are reporting and you can be assured because the President does not want any issues related to corruption, so you can expect transparency).' She further explained that the procurement process is under strict surveillance, including the evaluation of costs and the nature of the event.
Castro noted that ASEAN meetings are high-profile international events, which may qualify for exemptions from standard open competitive bidding. This allows for alternative procurement methods such as negotiated procurement or direct contracting, following existing rules.
In response to criticisms regarding the choice of NUSTAR Resort and Casino in Cebu as the venue due to its casino setting, Castro clarified that the government did not breach any protocol. She mentioned that the venue, a five-star integrated resort, was appropriate for international events, despite concerns about its suitability for Muslim delegates from ASEAN member states.
Castro stated, 'There's nothing to rectify dahil kung ito naman po ay hotel casino at ang nature ng event ay gagamitin po ito para sa isang international event like summit, hindi po para magsugal (because even if it is a hotel-casino, the venue was used for an international event like a summit, not for gambling).' She reiterated that the Philippines did not violate any protocol and that the venue's selection was not intended for gambling purposes.
