Cabinet members encourage Aquino to join UN Meet

PRESIDENT Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III is under “pressure” from some members of his Cabinet to attend a United Nations summit in New York this September, his spokesman said Saturday.

According to presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda, Aquino has yet to make a final decision although the Cabinet members argued the meeting will be an “important” one.

Updates on President Benigno Aquino III's presidency

“There are some Cabinet members encouraging the President to visit the UN but the President has not made any final decision,” Lacierda said on government-run dzRB radio.

The Palace official however did not name the Cabinet members who he said are encouraging Aquino to leave for possibly his first trip abroad as president.

“It’s important. Ang position nila mahalaga si Pangulong Aquino ay dumalaw sa US,” he said.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon had called on world leaders to attend a summit in September to boost efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The UN General Assembly has agreed that the summit be held on September 20 to 22, prior to the start of the Assembly’s annual General Debate that brings heads of state to New York.

Aquino had indicated he is not keen on traveling abroad, saying the reason should be compelling enough for him to travel. (JMR/Sunnex)