UNITED Opposition (UNO) president Jejomar C. Binay yesterday urged Malacañang to explain President Arroyo’s unscheduled detour to Colombia, which is not on her official itinerary.

"These side trips have become more frequent in the past months and since Mrs. Arroyo is traveling on taxpayers’ expense, the public deserves to know the reason for these unscheduled visits," the Makati mayor said.

"Until a complete accounting is made, the public will continue to speculate as to the real motive behind her private visits to such destinations as Dubai and now Cartagena," he added.

Reports said Arroyo took a side trip to Cartagena, Colombia en route to Brazil with members of her family. The Department of Foreign Affairs was not aware of the visit.

Arroyo has also made several side trips to Dubai during her travels to the Middle East.

Binay cited reports Arroyo went out of the country at least 50 times since 2001.

He said the costs of these trips to the taxpayers have not been fully disclosed.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson said the President spent P800 million in foreign trips last year.