Aquino meets with Cabinet before leaving for Brunei visit

President Benigno Aquino III left for Brunei early Wednesday for a two-day state visit, but not before he met with his Cabinet for last-minute instructions. Aquino left for Brunei aboard a presidential aircraft at the Villamor Air Base, radio dzBB's Benjie Liwanag Jr. reported. The report said Aquino met with Cabinet members for 10 to 15 minutes before his departure, but media were not allowed to cover the meeting. On Tuesday, the Presidential Communications Operations Office said a busy schedule awaits Aquino in Brunei. Aquino is to be welcomed by Brunei Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah upon his arrival at the Bandar Seri Begawan International Airport. He and the Sultan will then hold a closed-door meeting immediately after the arrival honors. In the afternoon, Aquino is to meet the Filipino community in Brunei at the Rizqun International Hotel, then visit the Philippine Embassy for the unveiling of the commemorative marker for the embassy’s new chancery. He will also visit the New Muara Container Terminal Services SDN BHD at Jabatan Pelabuhan and a Jolibee outlet in Serusop Complex. Capping off his first night is a state banquet at the Istana Nurullman. On Thursday, he will have a series of meetings with business organizations in Brunei. Among the business organizations the President will be meeting with are: the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB), QAF Brunei SDN BHD Co. Ltd, Brunei Investment Agency and MASHHOR Group of Companies. In the afternoon, Aquino will take a tour the Royal Regalia, a major landmark in Brunei. He will also tour the Jame’ Asr Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque, the largest mosque in Brunei. The mosque was built to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Sultan’s rule. Aquino will then proceed to the the Bandar Seri Begawan International Airport to depart for Manila. — LBG, GMA News