THE Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) yesterday backed calls for a Senate investigation of President Arroyo’s foreign trips, saying it would help an administration that has a serious credibility problem.

"Tama lang iyon na magkaroon ng disclosure para mawala na yung pagdududa ng taong bayan lalo itong government na laging pinagdududahan. I think they should cure that by revealing them truthfully," CBCP spokesman Msgr. Pedro Quitorio said.

Last Monday, Senators Panfilo Lacson and Francis Escudero pushed for an investigation on Arroyo’s numerous foreign trips, where roughly P800 million was spent last year alone.

The lawmakers said the public should know whether the money spent by Arroyo benefited the country.

Quitorio said the principle of transparency in governance should apply to Arroyo and all government officials, especially during a time of economic crisis.

Marbel Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez told Church-run Radio Veritas that Arroyo should limit her foreign trips to those that are really necessary.

But while Gutierrez said he found nothing wrong with Arroyo’s trips, he lashed at the inclusion of several congressmen in the presidential trips, saying they are a cause of shame to Filipinos.

"Hindi na sila (the congressmen) kailangan. At saka yong mga congressmen naman, they should have more conscience na naghihirap tayo ngayon," the prelate lamented.

He said the solons should prioritize their constituents ahead of themselves.

"Yong tinatawag nating social conscience, yun ang nawawala na. Ibig sabihin, kapag may social conscience, our attitude should be dictated by the common good, lalong lalo na yong mga nasa gobyerno… public service sana yon," he said.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde, who accompanied Arroyo in Japan and Brazil, said Arroyo’s foreign travels are necessary to boost trade and development in the country and strengthen bilateral relations with the international community.

Remonde said expenses incurred in foreign travels are public record and open for scrutiny and subject to audit by the Commission on Audit.

Remonde and deputy presidential spokesman for economic affairs Gary Olivar said the benefits of Arroyo’s foreign travel compensate for the cost of the trips.

They said Arroyo’s working trip in Japan on June 17-20 yielded $500 million in official development assistance plus other private-sector investment agreements and commitments.