Obama postpones trip to the Philippines, Malaysia By Leslie Bentz, CNN October 2, 2013 -- Updated 1025 GMT (1825 HKT) Washington (CNN) -- President Barack Obama will not travel to the Philippines and Malaysia because of the government shutdown, he told the leaders of both nations, the White House said. Secretary of State John Kerry will go in his place. The president said he is committed to traveling to the Philippines and Malaysia later in his term.