Palace letter is proof Aquino was invited to Senate anniv bash

A document from the Office of the President showed that President Benigno Aquino III was indeed invited to the Senate's 94th anniversary gathering, contrary to his statement that he did not attend the event because he was not invited. In a letter dated October 4, the head of Aquino's Office of the Appointments Secretary thanked Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile for iniviting the President to the Senate's anniversary. "While the President would have wanted to accept your invite, it is unfortunate that he has prior commitments during the said date. Thus, we are constrained to decline at this time," Undersecretary Rochelle Ahorro said. On the same date as the Senate anniversary, Aquino made an appearance at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza for the birthday party of former Pasay City Mayor Eduardo Martin Calixto, which was held in a function room just beside the venue for the Senate bash. Asked by reporters why he did not drop by the Senate celebration, the President at first said he was not invited. (See: Aquino cites 3 excuses for snubbing Senate anniversary) "Paano ako aattend, hindi naman ako imbitado (How can I attend, I was not invited)," he told reporters, adding that he still has to check with his appointment staff. After more prodding, Aquino said couldn't attend because he still has to go to the wake of Sonia Roco's daughter. Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was also supposed to attend the Senate event but was held up in Congress because of a hearing.—Kimberly Jane T. Tan/JV, GMANews.TV