White House corrects Obama's pronunciation: 'Benigno' not 'Niño'

MANILA, Philippines — After US President Barack Obama was heard calling President Benigno Aquino III "Niño," "Beniño," "Benino" and "Nonoy" in their joint press conference in Manila on Monday, the country's cyberspace became abuzz with the mispronunciation.

Aquino's nickname is Noynoy. He also asked the public to address him as P-Noy immediately after he was elected president in 2010.

Obama calls PNOY "Niño" because they pronounce Benigno as /Beninyo/. #utokplease

— Bea Chiong (@bealogy) April 29, 2014

President Obama, pardon. Who's President Niño? HAHAHAHA

— atbecadmeo (@Sammmeeehhh) April 28, 2014

"President Niño...Muhlach?" Whyyyyyyy are you doing this to me, people? HAHAHA! Did someone even correct Obama? #ObamaPH

— ★ Karen Sosoban ★ (@TheRealKSobs) April 28, 2014

The White House, however, has corrected the name in its official transcription of Obama's remarks during his first state visit in the US' oldest treaty ally in the region.

"We're very supportive of President Benigno's approach to go before the tribunal for the law of the sea and to seek international arbitration that can resolve this in a diplomatic fashion," the White House quoted Obama as saying, rectifying the head of state's earlier mistake of calling him President Niño. - Camille Diola