Barack Obama Cancels Philippine Visit Due To Government Shutdown

United States President Barack Obama has canceled his plan to visit the Philippines this October, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Wednesday.

President Barack Obama and President Noynoy Aquino

According to DFA Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez, Obama decided to call off the upcoming visit to the country because of the partial shutdown of the US government that began Tuesday.

"This morning, United States President Barack Obama conveyed to President Benigno S. Aquino III that he regrets that he will not be able to push through with his visit to Manila this month," Hernandez said. "President Obama explains that this is because of issues relating to the US Government shutdown."

He added, "President Aquino understands the decision of President Obama. Philippines-U.S. relations remain strong and forward-looking."

Obama is slated to fly to Southeast Asia this weekend for what was originally a four-nation tour. He is pursuing his scheduled trips to Indonesia and Brunei but has to cancel his visits to the Philippines and Malaysia. Secretary of State John Kerry will represent the US president instead.