PNoy to fly to Brunei for ASEAN summit

From Indonesia, President Benigno Aquino will be flying to Brunei Darussalam on Tuesday to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit.

 

At a press conference in Malacañang, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Aquino will depart for Brunei at 2:15 p.m. 

 

She said he is expected to arrive in Bandar Seri Begawan at 4:35 p.m.

 

Aquino is currently in Bali, Indonesia for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

 

At the same press briefing, Valte said the President attended an informal dialogue with guests and APEC leaders to discuss connectivity and sustainable development. 

 

She said the President also attended the APEC leaders working lunch with the theme “Sustainable Growth with Equity: Food, Water and Energy Security.” 

 

"The leaders are participating in discussions and then exchange of views to address challenges facing the region in ensuring economic growth. The leaders who are participating are also likewise expected to give insights on how APEC economies can work together to close development gaps within the Asia Pacific Region while preserving the environment and quality of life," she said.

 

On Monday, Aquino met with Hong Kong Chief Executive C.Y. Leung to express his regret for the 2010 Manila hostage crisis but maintained that the Philippines will not apologize for what happened.

 

Before this, some Hong Kong reporters had their media accreditations confiscated after they shouted questions at Aquino regarding the hostage incident.

 

US Secretary of State visit

 

Meanwhile, Malacañang said it is now preparing for the visit of US Secretary of State John Kerry later this week.

 

"The Secretary of State is attending in the stead of the US President, and coordination continues among the agencies who are involved in the visit," Valte said.

 

Earlier, US President Barack Obama canceled his scheduled visit to the Philippines after the US government went into a shutdown.

According to the Palace, Obama called Aquino himself to explain why he could not make the visit.  

 

"I understand that President Obama had told President Aquino that, “Please tell Secretary Kerry as well and I am quite sure that it will reach him.” So, the President will also discuss some concerns that we have with Secretary Kerry," said Valte.

 

Malacañang, however, said Obama still intends to visit the Philippines before his term ends in 2017. — Kimberly Jane Tan/RSJ, GMA News