Obama cancels official visit to PHL after US govt shutdown

(Updated 7:45 p.m.) US President Barack Obama has canceled his scheduled visit to the Philippines next week after the US government went into a shutdown, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the US embassy announced Wednesday.

"President Obama called President Aquino of the Philippines to inform him that, due to the government shutdown, he will not be able to go forward with his planned travel to the Philippines," the embassy said in a statement.

US Secretary of State John Kerry will travel to Manila instead, the embassy said. The visit is scheduled to take place on Oct. 11-12.

"The President reaffirmed our strong alliance with the Philippines, and committed to travel to the Philippines later in his term," the US embassy statement said.

The DFA issued a similar statement about the Obama trip, and said Aquino "understands the decision of President Obama."

Obama had earlier canceled a visit to Malaysia due to the shutdown. Kerry will also represent Obama in Malaysia for the visit instead, according to a Reuters report, citing Malaysian newspapers.

"Philippines-US relations remain strong and forward-looking," the DFA added.

In Malacañang, Communications Secretary Ricky Carandang said they "understand the reason for President Obama's cancellation and look forward to welcoming him to the Philippines at a more opportune time."

Wrangling in the United States between Obama and congressional Republicans has forced the first government shutdown in 17 years. -- with Patricia Denise Chiu and Reuters/KBK/YA, GMA News