NAYPYIDAW, Myanmar – President Benigno Aquino III said he chatted briefly with United States President Barack Obama at the 25th ASEAN Summit, but said there was no need for a lengthier discussion – especially not about the death of transgender Filipino Jennifer Laude and the ensuing issues that resulted from her killing.

On Wednesday, November 12, Aquino told reporters at the sidelines of the 25th ASEAN Summit that he talked to Obama for less than two minutes in passing, but said because there are “consistent talks between themselves and our sides,” he feels no need to meet for longer unless there is an urgent issue.

“I won’t talk about what happened in Subic,” he said. “That can be handled in a lower level.”

Laude was allegedly killed by Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton, who is in the country under the Philippines-United States Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), a treaty that allows the rotation of US troops in the Philippines, including the entry and movement of US assets. 

Activists have called for the abrogation of the treaty, but Aquino has defended the agreement saying one incident should not overshadow the benefits it will bring the nation. (READ: Despite transfer, US retains custody of Marine)

Meanwhile, Aquino defended Obama and his supposedly weakening influence in the region after the Democratic Party’s loss in the US midterm elections. Aquino said because there is partisan support in the United States between democrats and republicans on any given issue, he said “neither can affford to be blamed for whatever is lacking.”

“It will press them all to cooperate… that renounces to everybody’s benefit,” he said, expressing confidence the loss will not affect American influence in the region.

Obama is in Myanmar for the ASEAN-United States Summit on Thursday, November 13, as he seeks to counterbalance Beijing’s regional dominance and help allies push back on China’s claims over disputed territories in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). – Rappler.com