Aquino nursing strained arm

MANILA, Philipines – President Benigno Aquino III was unable to grant the request of cameramen for a photo-worthy shot of him shaking the hand of chief peace negotiator Marvic Leonen who, with the rest of the government peace panel, paid a courtesy call on him on Monday, October 8.

The usually willing Chief Executive held up his right arm to show the wrist brace that he wore, which he signaled kept him from doing the customary handshake.

When asked, Palace Spokesman Edwin Lacierda confirmed that Mr. Aquino needed to wear the wrist brace as he has been experiencing pain in his right arm “similar to tennis elbow” since August, when he took part in relief efforts for Habagat 2012.

In the aftermath of Habagat 2012, Mr Aquino went to various affected areas in Metro Manila and Luzon, where he personally distributed relief goods to evacuees.

“The President endured the pain in the belief that it will go away on its own but it worsened. As a result, he consulted a doctor and the latter recommended the support which allows him to manage the pain and eventually, cure it,” Lacierda said. – Rappler.com