President Barack Obama talks on the phone with FBI Director Robert Mueller to receive an update on the explosions that occurred in Boston, in the Oval Office, April 15, 2013. Seated with the President are Lisa Monaco, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, and Chief of Staff Denis McDonough. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
MANILA (Mabuhay) — Now that the partial shutdown of the United States government is over, Malacañang said the visit of US President Barack Obama to the Philippines may now push through.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said that while there has been no sign for now on when the visit will take place, saying it could be at a “mutually convenient” time for both countries.
“(Obama) also committed to push through with his visit at a mutually convenient time for both countries. Kakatapos lang ng domestic issues doon,” she said on government-run dzRB radio.
But when asked if there has been any immediate indication of when the visit will be, she said, “Wala pa naman (None as of now).”
Earlier, the US announced Obama may not push through with his visit to the Philippines due to the partial shutdown of the government in the US.
The partial shutdown had been caused by a deadlocked Congress, but ended after a budget deal was passed.
President Benigno Aquino earlier said he understands why Obama canceled his visit to the Philippines amid the partial government shutdown.
“(W)e perfectly understand the situation. Stability in their economy promotes stability for the rest of the world’s economy and that is something we need if we are to make a better life for all of our people,” he said. (MNS)