Aquino to visit storm-ravaged areas this week, says Palace spokesperson

MANILA, Philippines—President Benigno Aquino III is expected to visit three provinces devastated by typhoons “Pedring” and “Quiel” within the week, presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said Monday.

Lacierda said that per initial discussions, the President is expected to visit Bulacan, Pampanga and Tarlac where the typhoons, which struck just days of each other, caused major flooding and sent residents flocking and now crowding evacuation centers there.

Mr. Aquino’s visit to the three provinces came at a time when some quarters questioned the Chief Executive’s seeming absence from the scene as the two storms devastated some areas in the country.

Palace officials had said the Chief Executive merely wanted to avoid becoming the focus when he visits calamity areas.

The President told reporters Monday morning he was looking forward to visit the devastated provinces as soon as concerned Cabinet secretaries firm up a rehabilitation and assessment plan in the aftermath of the two typhoons.