PNoy thanks ASEAN for backing rule of law

MANILA - President Aquino on Monday thanked Southeast Asian leaders for supporting the rule of law in the South China Sea. Aquino, who is back in Manila after attending the 24th ASEAN Summit in Myanmar, said he is happy that ASEAN leaders shared the Philippines' stand for a peaceful resolution to the territorial disputes. "Nagpapasalamat tayo kay ASEAN chair Thein Sein at sa iba pang pinuno sa Timog-Silangang Asya na sumuporta sa ating panawagan sa higit na pagrespeto at pagpapatupad sa mga nailatag na prinsipyo sa Declaration of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea," he said. Aquino also thanked his Southeast Asian counterparts for supporting the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. He said there will be more projects in Mindanao soon as the region will have direct shipping trips to Indonesia to boost trade.