The Philippine Army spent an estimated ₱30,000 to ₱60,000 for each of eight Youth Leadership Summits (YLS), Col. Manaros Boransing II told the impeachment court Tuesday.

Sen. Bam Aquino, a senator-judge, asked Boransing how much the Army typically budgets for each YLS.

“It depends, sir,” Boransing said. He cited a YLS in Lanao del Sur that cost ₱60,000, while other activities were allocated about ₱30,000.

Boransing said the activities were usually organized by infantry battalions, which would submit requests detailing the activity and its requirements.

Aquino then asked for an estimate of the total cost of the eight YLS activities being discussed.

“I think for the Army it’s around ₱30,000 per activity,” Boransing said.

Aquino noted that this would mean the Army's spending for the eight YLS activities did not exceed ₱500,000.

“No, sir. It’s more for coordination. Karamihan po is representation yung account code niya,” Boransing said.

The exchange came after Aquino asked Boransing about his reaction to reports that ₱15 million was spent for information gathering, surveillance and security-related activities.

Boransing declined to comment, saying he was still an active member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“Well, sir, as an active member of the Armed Forces, I do not think I should react,” Boransing said.

He said the impeachment trial was still ongoing and that the Commission on Audit’s (COA) decision was not yet final.

“I think it is not appropriate for an active member of the Armed Forces to give his opinion on such a political issue,” Boransing said.

Aquino then told Boransing that he would be given leeway because he was still serving the country.

“We’ll give you leeway, Colonel, because you’re serving our country,” Aquino said.