Aquino cancels trip to Pampanga
MANILA, Philippines—President Benigno Aquino canceled a planned visit to flood victims in San Fernando, Pampanga, on Friday and a Palace aide said it had nothing to do with Pampanga being the home province of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, a strident critic.
“I don’t think it would be for that reason,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said. “The President is the President of all. The President doesn’t choose. Whether they are from Pampanga, Zamboanga or Albay, they are all our countrymen.”
Valte quickly corrected herself to say she meant Zambales instead of Zamboanga.
Aside from Arroyo, Aquino’s harshest critics in the House of Representatives include House Minority Leader Representative Edcel Lagman of Albay and Zambales Representative Mitos Magsaysay.
Valte said she had to check with Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Soliman and the President’s appointments office for the reason why the trip was canceled.
