Obama cancels trip to Philippines

U.S. President Barack Obama has decided to cancel his trip to the Philippines this month due to the shutdown of U.S. government, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Wednesday. According to DFA Spokesperson Raul Hernandez, Obama conveyed Wednesday morning to Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III that he regrets not being able to push through with his visit to Manila on October 11-12. "President Obama explains that this is because of issues relating to the U.S. Government shutdown," he said, adding that Aquino understands the decision made by Obama. Despite the cancellation, Hernadez said that the Philippines-U. S. relations remain strong and forward-looking.