MikeLigalig.com

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:03:00 08/01/2009

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang yesterday trumpeted President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s meeting with President Barack Obama and the country’s designation as the US regional coordinator with Southeast Asia as a “triumph for all Filipinos.”

Critics said it made the Philippines a “glorified (US) errand boy.”

Militant lawmaker Teodoro Casiño of the party-list group Bayan Muna said Ms Arroyo had found a new role for herself as “Obama’s rah-rah girl.”

During Thursday’s meeting itself at the White House Oval Office, Barack was relaxed and confident as he sat cross-legged beside a visibly nervous Ms Arroyo.

Unleashing his charm, Obama touched Ms Arroyo’s arm, looked straight into her eyes whenever she talked, and was generous in his compliments.

At one point during a brief press encounter at the White House, a member of Ms Arroyo’s party asked her about her impressions of her host. Obama triggered laughter when he interjected: “I’m sure she thinks I’m much younger looking than she expected.”

‘No wonder US fell for him’

Ms Arroyo described Obama as “very cordial, warm, and welcoming” and added they “connected very well” on some areas of global concerns.

The members of Ms Arroyo’s party were conquered.

“He was charming and very diplomatic. He was more than what I expected. He looks younger, oozing with personality. No wonder America fell for him, he’s tall, lanky, and very confident,” Speaker Prospero Nograles said.

Mike Arroyo not around

Nograles also said in a text message: “I really told Obama this was a dream come true for me to come to the White House and meet him face to face: the most powerful leader of the world. Truly an experience that’s something to remember.”

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said Obama had a “very firm handshake” despite having fragile hands but he refused to compare him with his predecessor, George W. Bush, whom he described as “also a cowboy.”

Ermita was also impressed with how precise the White House timing was, wrapping things up in one hour, including the Arroyo-Obama meeting and a joint briefing.

US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney said: “Obviously, they had a great conversation. I’m privileged to be there. It was friendly, relaxed, very professional.”

Ms Arroyo’s husband, Jose Miguel Arroyo, and Michelle Obama were not at the meeting.



Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=21399.0