METROPOLITAN Manila Development Authority chairman Bayani Fernando, 10 mayors and a governor flew to Vancouver, Canada, yesterday for the Metropolitan Governance of Vancouver conference.
The trip pushed through despite insinuations of a “junket.” Interior Secretary Angelo Reyes reportedly approved the trip.
The conference, which started yesterday, will run until January 19. Fernando said the meeting is all about proper governance and how to deal with negative issues.
The MMDA chief urged those questioning the trip, including Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, not to inject politics in the “study trip.”
The trip was questioned after it was floated that Fernando’s group will use the event as an opportunity to witness the fight of Filipino boxing champ Manny Pacquiao over Eric Morales in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Fernando, MMDA chair Bayani Fernando
however, said they have to take the Las Vegas route because there is no flight straight to Canada. Besides, he said, it is more economical.
The MMDA chairman said in case some of them decide to watch the Pacquiao-Morales match, it would be at their own expense and not the government’s.
Included in the trip were Rizal Gov. Casimiro “Yto” Ynares and Antipolo City Mayor Angelito Gatlabayan.
Binay, Mandaluyong Mayor Neptali Gonzales, Manila Mayor Joselito Atienza, Pasay City Mayor Wenceslao Trinidad and San Juan Mayor JV Ejercito did not join the trip.
They said they cannot waste the people’s money when the country is suffering from the economic crunch.
