Aquino cuts short airport inauguration to inspect flooded areas

President Benigno Aquino III cut short Saturday his participation at the inauguration of a renovated airport in Western Visayas so he can inspect flood-hit areas in Metro Manila. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Aquino initially planned to visit Malabon City, one of the areas hit hard by floods spawned by tropical storm “Falcon" (Meari). “Ang initial information na nakuha ko, may balak pumunta ang pangulo sa Malabon... sa mga binahang lugar," Valte said on government radio dzRB. A separate report on dzRB radio said Aquino left Aklan province early after taking part in the inauguration of the Caticlan Airport. The report said Aquino canceled a scheduled press conference there and said he had to go back to Metro Manila to inspect flooded areas. Meanwhile, Valte said the Palace expects government personnel engaged in emergency services to continue working. She cited the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s continued work to address the problems of those affected by Falcon. — LBG, GMA News