Aquino defended over move to tackle Scarborough in summit

MANILA, Philippines — There is nothing wrong with President Benigno Aquino III’s move to discuss the dispute over the Scarborough Shoal at the recent summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), a spokesman for the president said Tuesday.

Presidential Communications Secretary Ricky Carandang was reacting to an editorial that appeared in the China Daily, which called Aquino “rude.”

In an interview with Jake Maderazo of “Banner Story” over Radyo Inquirer 990AM, Carandang said there should be nothing wrong in bringing up the topic for discussion, considering that it is the President’s interest for attending these kinds of forums.

“Itong mga forum na ito . . . ay isang mekanismo para pag usapan ng mga head of state ang ibat-ibang problema sa region. Hindi naman yata tamang hindi natin pag-uusapan ang issue na ‘yon,” Carandang said, more so that other claimant states were present during the meeting.

For the full interview, listen to the attached audio clip from Radyo Inquirer 990AM.