Amid rumored collapse, Aquino calls for, then cancels meeting with press

President Benigno Aquino III. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — President Benigno Aquino III sought to meet with the media on Saturday afternoon, only to cancel the meeting less than an hour later.

At around 12:20 p.m., members of the Malacañang Press Corps were informed that Aquino will visit the New Executive Building (NEB) inside the Malacañang Complex at around 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The NEB houses the press working area and the offices of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO).

More than 20 minutes later, Palace reporters were informed that the meeting had been canceled.

Media Accreditation and Relations Office (Maro) director Jo Paulo Espiritu told INQUIRER.net that Aquino wanted to have an informal meeting with the reporters after it was rumored that he “collapsed” on Friday night.

However, they had to cancel the Saturday meeting upon learning that many of the reporters could not make it because of the short notice.

READ: Palace denies rumor Aquino ‘collapsed’

Both Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda and Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte dismissed the rumor. Valte said Aquino’s “health is in good condition.”

Espiritu also said the media and the public would be able to see the President on Monday when he attends the groundbreaking ceremony of a toll road in Quezon.

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