Aquino now in US, breaks protocol by approaching well-wishers at airport

President Benigno Aquino III. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—President Benigno Aquino III arrived in the United States on Wednesday evening (Thursday morning, Manila time), seeking to strengthen ties with the world’s most powerful nation  amid aggressive posturing by China over disputed territories in the West Philippine Sea.

The President’s plane, a chartered Philippine Airlines Airbus A340, landed at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland at 8:19 p.m. Eastern time from London’s Heathrow airport.

He was met by Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Cuisia Jr. and other embassy staffers, as well as a throng of well-wishers from the local Filipino-American community.

Instead of boarding the presidential limousine after the honor guard, Aquino walked to his Fil-Am supporters at the edge of the Andrews tarmac, sending US Secret Service agents and the vehicle convoy scrambling to adjust.

US Air Force personnel said it was “uncommon” for heads of state to approach well-wishers, with most boarding their limousines at the foot the airstairs.

Aquino’s decision to approach the Fil-Am community sent the crowd cheering with excitement, several of them shouting, “We love you, P-Noy!” and “Mabuhay si P-Noy!”

No official activities were scheduled for the President Wednesday evening. He will meet US businessmen and prospective investors Thursday morning, and will visit the US Marine Corps and FBI training base in Quantico, Virginia in the afternoon.

In the evening, he will grace a dinner launching the newly formed lobby group, US-Philippines Society.