Aquino cancels trip to Korea due to ‘Ruby’

President Benigno Aquino III. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III has canceled his trip to South Korea this week to address the country’s concerns after the onslaught of Tropical Storm Ruby, Malacañang said Monday.

“The President will instead send Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras and Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima to represent him in the summit to enable the President to focus on actions that need to be taken in light of the aftermath of Typhoon Ruby,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a statement.

Aquino was supposed to visit Busan from December 11 to 12 to attend the annual Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean)-Republic of Korea (ROK) Commemorative Summit.

Ruby, which has been downgraded to a tropical storm, has been battering the Philippines since December 4. It is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Wednesday.