PNoy to express PHL’s solidarity with Japan during visit

The Philippine government is now preparing a “package" that will help Japan recover from the twin disasters — earthquake and tsunami — that struck it early this year. President Benigno Aquino III, who is set to go to Japan for an official visit this month, said this will be some sort of payback to a country that has been helping the Philippines for years. “We also want to express concretely our solidarity with them. So, we are preparing a package on how we can assist them to recover after that," he said at a press briefing in Bais City, Negros Oriental. “So, parang bawi. Hindi ba tipikal na Pilipino, may utang na loob tayo sa kanila, sila ang may pangangailangan ngayon, gusto naman nating makabawi sa kanila?" he added. Aquino is expected to meet with new Prime Minister Noda Yoshihiko and Emperor Akihito during his visit. Before going to Japan, Aquino will be visiting Washington and New York. He will be attending the Partnership for Open Governance and will be talking before the World Bank. He will also be conferred with a degree by the Fordham University. “We will (also) take advantage of the opportunity to invite more businesses to come to the Philippines," Aquino said. - Amita O. Legaspi/KBK, GMA News