Reyes, in an interview, said to determine how much “help and assistance” MVA needs, it must disclose the figures he has requested.
MVA earlier said it was closing its Manila office because of the decline in the number of Philippine nurses visiting Saipan to take the NCLEX test and Continental Airlines’ decision to terminate its Saipan-Manila route on July 16.
“In what way MVA wants to use the funds previously allotted for the Manila office is something that we as lawmakers need to know,” said Reyes, R-Saipan. “Are they going to reprogram that? For what purpose?”
MVA reported that 61 percent of its budget goes to the promotions and activities of which close to $3 million is used to fund advertising and promotional efforts in Japan and South Korea.
“I am very supportive of MVA’s mission…but I want to make sure that money will be spent wisely and appropriately,” said Reyes, who chairs the House Committee on Commerce and Tourism.
He said he is still waiting for MVA to provide him information regarding the marketing of its Saipanda mascot.
For fiscal year 2009, the governor has proposed a $7.5 million budget for MVA.
