Malacañang is defending the Philippines’ ASEAN Summit spending, with officials saying the government is prepared to face scrutiny and allow an audit. Multiple outlets report that the Palace says it wants to avoid repeating earlier criticism tied to preparations for major regional events.
Several articles focus on the same budget figure: P22.9 billion for hosting ASEAN Summit-related events. The Inquirer additionally places the spending in historical context, contrasting it with lower reported amounts for ASEAN summits hosted in earlier years. GMA reports the Palace framing around openness to audit amid online questions about expenses, while Philstar emphasizes that critics should weigh government accomplishments rather than focus on the cost.
Overall, the outlets largely agree on the Palace’s position—defending the budget and offering audit readiness. Differences are mainly in emphasis, with some foregrounding audit and accountability, others highlighting achievements or past spending comparisons.
