Only five senior government officials can accompany President Arroyo to her historic meeting with United States President Barack Obama at the White House next week, leaving other eager politicians out in the cold, Malacañang announced Friday.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said the President’s “ideal” entourage includes Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, Philippine Ambassador to the US Willy Gaa, and subject to confirmation, the leaders of the two houses of Congress.

Remonde said these few government officials, who gained access to the heavily guarded mansion at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, would be allowed to take part in the first meeting between the two presidents.

“I will make this clear because many thought that if you are joining the trip, you can see President Obama. Only the President plus five will meet President Obama at the White House,” Remonde said in a news conference in the Palace.

Close to 100 lawmakers have reportedly expressed interest to join the President’s trip to the US and possibly try their luck in meeting the popular American President. But House Speaker Prospero Nograles has already declared that only seven congressmen can join the President’s US tour next week.

With only a handful of Philippines officials allowed into Obama's residence, the rest of the President’s delegation to the US would have to settle for the view outside the White House gate.

In her last visit to the White House, President Arroyo took members of the First Family and a handful of senior government officials and introduced them to then US President George W. Bush. Brief photo sessions are also then accommodated.

Remonde said the President is scheduled to depart Manila at 8:30 pm on July 29, Wednesday, for her four-city tour in the United States. Apart from Washington DC, the jetsetter President will also travel to New York City, Chicago, and Guam before returning to Manila on August 5.

Remonde said the President is expected to discuss with Obama pressing bilateral, regional, and world concerns and issues, including ways to combat terrorism and global warming during their meeting on July 30.

He added the President will also give Obama updates on the peace process in Mindanao since Washington remains a peace and development partner in the troubled region.

Also in Washington DC, the President will hold meetings with Senator Harry Reid, members of the House committee on ways and means, and lawmakers belonging to the RP-US Friendship Caucus. Another presidential engagement was a forum on Coral Triangle Initiative hosted by the National Geographic.

On her second day in Washington DC, the President will meet with officials of the Millennium Challenge Corporation, representatives from US veterans’ affairs, before dining with members of the Filipino community.

On Saturday, the President will travel to New York City for a flurry of meetings with US multinational companies with investments in the country. The President’s next stop will be windy city of Chicago where she will meet with American industrialists, business leaders and the Filipino community in the area.

On Monday, the President will proceed to Guam for a meeting with state officials, many of whom are Filipinos, and another assembly with the Filipinos living and working in the small US state.