Aquino appoints Binay as his official rep before leaving for Indonesia

Before President Benigno Simeon Aquino III leaves the country to attend the 18th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit from May 7 to 8, he appointed Vice President Jejomar Binay to be his representative on official functions. According to a Malacañang statement issued on Friday, Binay will also preside over Cabinet meetings. However, in case there is no unanimity on the decision of Cabinet members, it will have to relayed to the President, wherever he is, for decision. According to Malacañang, while Aquino is in Jakarta, all papers will be signed by Executive Secretary Pacquito Ochoa Jr. Ochoa will also be in charge of all communications with the Palace "for reasons of efficiency and to avoid any confusion in the conduct of public affairs." The Palace also issued a similar briefer on September 19 last year before Aquino flew to New York to attend the 2nd ASEAN-United States Leaders’ Meeting. - VVP, GMA News