The Philippine government spent 123-million pesos for President Arroyo's recent trips to Davos, Milan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the side trip to the United states.

But Malacañang was quick to defend the president, saying the cost of the trips is small compared to pledges of aid she got from the countries she visited.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said Wednesday Saudi Arabia alone promised the Philippines 200-million dollars in aid in agriculture, while Bahrain committed 300-million dollars. – report from ANC