PGMA skips Chicago, Guam legs of her US trip to join RP in mourning death of former President Cory

Manila (August 2) — Once more, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has shown one and all, her statesmanship and her sense of responsibility as leader of her country.

President Arroyo, through Malacanang spokesman Lorelie Fajardo, has confirmed that she has cancelled her Chicago and Guam legs of her US trip and instead fly back to the Philippines on August 2.

Upon learning of the death of former President Cory, President Arroyo immediately issued a statement on national television live from the United States where she was on official 8-day visit.

President Arroyo also issued Administrative Order No. 269 to coordinate “official acts and observances in coordination with the funeral arrangement for Mrs. Aquino.

In Administrative Order No. 269, also signed and sent to Manila via fax, the President created a four-member Committee on the Funeral of the late president composed of: Executive Secretary Ermita as chairman; Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alberto Romulo, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno, as members.

President Arroyo said that representatives duly designated by the Senate, the House of Representatives and the Supreme Court and the family of the late President are invited as committee members.

In creating the committee, the President said “it is fitting and proper that appropriate official acts and observances be carried out in connection with the funeral arrangements for the former president, commensurate with the people’s love and respect for her.”

The committee is empowered to create such subcommittees as may be necessary to assist in the performance of its functions.

The president flew to the US to meet American President Barack Obama at the White House and discuss issues concerning Philippine-US partnership.

Mrs. Aquino passed away Saturday morning after battling colon cancer for more than a year. She was 76. Her wake is at the La Salle Green Hills (LSGH) gymnasium in Mandaluyong City. The public viewing at LSGH began at 5 p.m. of Saturday and will continue until Monday. The daily viewing schedule will be until 4 a.m., and will resume at 7 a.m. (PIA Region