Toribiong said this in reaction to Horizon’s article that an audit report pointed out that the former administration of Tommy Remengesau spent less than his administration.
He said that it is not the practice of his administration to use grants for the president’s office and instead depend on local revenues.
The president said that he believes in self-sufficiency and obtaining grants from donor countries will not help the government to become self –reliant.
He also said that continued comparison of the new government and the previous government is not helping the country.
The president said it is counterproductive to constantly compare one administration to another.
Toribiong in earlier interview said that since he assumed office, he has been spending less than $1 million compared to the Remengesau administration.
He said in the interview that the Remengesau government expenses have even reached as high as $1,805,010.
But according to the audited report of the government finances in 2008, the $1,805,010 is a cumulative amount that also includes money not only from local revenues but also grants and special grants obtained by Palau.
