Sea row, disaster loan on PNoy agenda for Tokyo trip

MANILA - President Benigno Aquino is heading to Japan today to attend the 40th ASEAN-Japan commemorative summit. The issue of territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea is expected to top the agenda as President Aquino meets with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo. Earlier this week, the President said a treaty to improve defense cooperation with Japan would likely be tackled during the talks. The two leaders will also discuss cooperation on disaster management and reconstruction. Three treaties are also expected to be signed including that of a post-disaster standby loan worth around $100 million. ANC, December 12, 2013