Teo denies traveling abroad with unnecessary companions, decries ‘malicious’ reports

MANILA, Philippines — Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo on Friday broke her silence and denied going to overseas trips with unnecessary aides and companions, saying reports about her foreign trips were “malicious.”

Teo went under fire for reportedly bringing a make-up artist and office clerks during her trips to countries like Dubai, Australia and Russia, among others, in 2016 and 2017.

READ: Make-up artist, utility clerk join DOT chief overseas

The report came after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered a “starvation diet” on foreign trips in the executive branch and went on a firing spree against junketeering government officials.

“I did not go to these places. I’ve been to these places when I was in the private sector,” Teo told a press conference.

The embattled Tourism chief said that contrary to reports, she was accompanied by an executive assistant, not a make-up artist. 

“I am entitled to an EA,” she remarked.

Teo also defended bringing DOT clerks with her abroad, saying the government did not pay for the overseas trips. 

“Star Cruise gave us 10 cabins because partner namin ang Star Cruise at DOT... wala pong gastos ang gobyerno doon because it was for free,” she said. 

“Binigay ko sila sa mga taong mabababa because they have been with the DOT for 30 years but they never had travels,” she added.

Last month, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea issued a memorandum stating that foreign trips would only be allowed if their projected costs are not excessive and if they would bring "substantial benefit" to the country. 

READ: Palace issues new rules on government junkets

Malacañang on Thursday noted that all government workers are subject to the existing guidelines of the Commission on Audit on foreign trips. But the Palace believes Teo's foreign trips are understandable because of the nature of her work.

READ: Palace on Teo's foreign trips with makeup artist, aides: It's Duterte's nature to ask

“Kung tutuusin lang, I don’t want to travel anymore because I have been to these places many, many times. But because it is my mandate, I have to go out,” Teo said.