PNoy confirms China trip, says he won't overstay his welcome

(Updated 4 p.m.) President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday confirmed that he will be flying to China for a trade event next week, although he stressed that it will be a very brief visit.

Interviewed at the 27th Apolinario Mabini Awarding Ceremony, Aquino said he will be attending the 10th ASEAN-China Expo (CAEXPO) to be held in Nanning, China, from September 3 to 6 where the Philippines is the "country of honor."

"Yung imbitasyon, ipa-follow up ko pa naman ho sana, dineliver na pala ngayon," he said.

But he said that he plans to leave China right away.

"Baka magulat ho kayo. Alis ho ako ng alas-singko ng umaga, balik ho ako ng alas-singko ng hapon," Aquino told reporters. "Ayaw nating ma-overstay ang welcome natin doon."

The Philippines is locked in a long-running dispute with China over portions of South China Sea—a portion of which is referred to by the Philippines as the West Philippine Sea—where Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also have overlapping claims.

Malacañang had earlier said that it is very unlikely that the dispute will be discussed at the expo.

Meanwhile, during the day's ceremonies, Aquino presented awards to individuals and institutions who advocate the rights of disabled persons.

"Ang inyong mga halimbawa ang nagpapaalala sa akin na hindi ako nag-iisa sa pagpasan ng mga responsibilidad; may katuwang ako sa pagpapaunlad ng bansa," he said.

Among those hailed were the Autism Society of the Philippines (disabled group of the year), JP Morgan & Chase & Co. (employer of the year), and several SM malls (disabled-friendly establishment of the year).

The Special Mabini Presidential Award for PWD Rights-Based Advocacy, meanwhile, was given to former poll commissioner Rene Sarmiento.— Kimberly Jane Tan/KBK, GMA News