Obama to visit Filipino soldiers in Fort Bonifacio

By: Frances Mangosing - 10 years ago

President Barack Obama. AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Filipino soldiers will have a chance to see the most powerful man in the world, US President Barack Obama, in the flesh.

A media advisory from the US Embassy in Manila said that Obama is set to deliver a speech at Fort Bonifacio in the morning of April 29, Tuesday. The event aims to recognize the “longstanding partnership and cooperation” between the US and Philippine military.

Exact details on the event will be announced at a later time.

Obama is on a four-nation tour in Asia and the Philippines is his last stop. He will arrive on April 28, Monday, after a tour in Japan, South Korea and Malaysia.

Speculations say that Obama will announce an agreement with the Philippines during the visit.

The Philippines has been working with US for the beefed up security agreement amid increasing tensions with China over the contested West Philippine (South China Sea). The deal would allow American assets the most extensive access to bases and at the same time help deter intrusions by the Chinese in disputed areas.

The deal will be “the centerpiece” of Obama’s trip to Asia, a report from the New York Times said early this week.