PNoy left for ASEAN summit, territorial disputes one of his major agenda

Philippine President Benigno Aquino III left Manila Saturday, May 10, to attend the 24th Association of Southeast Asia Nations Summit in Myanmar.

Before the president took his flight to Myanmar, he said “We wish to emphasize, uphold and follow the rule of law in resolving these territorial issues so that the rights of all countries involved will be recognised and respected.” Aquino is said to push for immediate finishing the code of conduct over the disputed territories in South China Sea.

“This step mirrors our belief that an issue that affects all countries in the region cannot be effectively resolved merely through a dialogue between two countries,” President Aquino added.

Among the Southeast Asia Nations are Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.