Philippine President Benigno Aquino III. AP
CANBERRA, Australia, Philippines — A “sick” President Benigno Aquino III had to cut short his attendance at the official dinner hosted by Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard at 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Held at the private dining room of the Parliament House, the dinner was attended by the Australian ruling class — top officials of the Gillard Cabinet, members of the Senate and House of Representatives, diplomats, military officials and other invited guests.
A concerned Gillard then dispensed with formalities and protocol of the banquet, after Aquino complained of “not feeling well.”
“Can I acknowledge Your Excellency, Mr. President. Thank you for gracing us with your presence this evening. We are very, very disappointed that you had become unwell, but we wish you a very speedy recovery and a goodnight’s rest here in Australia,” said Gillard who delivered her speech ahead of the President’s.
“As the President—and I have warmed up—I have remarked and if all members of this delegation could note this that he should be saved from any paperwork during the course of this evening,” she said to chuckles from the banquet guests.
“I know what it’s like to be chased around with paperwork when you’re feeling unwell and I’m sure it’s going to aid his recovery if he is left undisturbed tonight which is my way of acknowledging our other honored Filipino guests,” she added.
Aquino spoke briefly but left soon after his speech without touching his food. The President was escorted by Gillard.
Upon instructions from the prime minister, the guests still went ahead with the traditional toast usually led by heads of state or government, and partook of a three-course meal, with a pan fried snapper as the main course.
Sought for comment, Communications Secretary Ricky Carandang confirmed that Aquino, who came from two-day state visit to New Zealand, was sick.
“Yes, a bit. But he should be better tomorrow.”
Asked if his boss was nursing a cold or flu, Carandang said: “No. He’s fine. He finished all his duties today.”