PHL focuses on Obama visit despite US govt shutdown

Despite the shutdown of the United Stated government on Tuesday, a spokesperson from the Department of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday said the Philippines continues to prepare for American President Barack Obama’s visit this month.

“Yesterday we asked our embassy in Washington, and also asked the spokesperson of their embassy in Manila, and both said they have not received any changes or advice regarding the planned trip,” Spokesperson Raul Hernandez told reporters.

“Right now, preparations continue,” Hernandez said.

In a chance interview, after attending the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals Grand Breakfast in Pasay City, President Benigno S. Aquino III told reporters to expect an announcement on Obama’s visit “within the day.”

The first African-American US President is making his first ever Philippine visit October 11 to 12 as part of a Southeast Asia trip.  Meetings have been scheduled between Presidents Aquino and Obama and Philippine and American officials.

The US lurched into a dreaded government shutdown for the first time in 17 years, triggering agency closures and over 800,000 of furloughs as Democrats and Republicans missed a deadline to pass a budget. - VS, GMA News