Noynoy's girlfriend may not seek congressional post in 2010

MANILA, Philippines - The girlfriend of Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III may not seek a congressional post in next year’s elections, her handlers said yesterday.

Valenzuela City councilor Shalani Soledad, apple of the senator’s eye, is reportedly being groomed to represent the city’s second district in the House of Representatives.

But her aide said she would not run for Congress next year but rather seek re-election as councilor.

“If our wishes were to prevail, she will not run for Congress in 2010,” said a longtime aide of Soledad, who requested not to be named.

The STAR source hastened to add that, among a few other things, this was only possible in the face of “the people’s clearly evident strong clamor for her to run for Congress.”

Soledad is keeping her options open and has not officially confirmed the rumors.

Sources close to her said “she is not yet ready (to run for Congress) and may go for a third term as councilor of Valenzuela.”

Soledad, with Vice Mayor Eric Martinez, ex-professional basketball player and councilor Gerald Esplana and first cousin Karuhatan Barangay kagawad Martell Soledad, was formerly allied with former mayor and congressman Emmanuel “Bobbit” Carlos (Lakas), but in March this year they joined the camp of incumbent City Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian (NPC).

Gatchalian has been very vocal about supporting Soledad in a run for Congress.

Observers say the push for Soledad to run for the House is aimed at unseating District 2 Rep. Magtanggol “Magi” Gunigundo.

Soledad, who first entered politics in 2004 at age 23, came out number five when she first ran as city councilor of Valenzuela under the Lakas banner. She became number one in the last (2007) local polls.

Soledad has one more three-year term if she runs and wins again as councilor in 2010, under existing laws.

Shalani previously worked in the office of Catanduanes Gov. Leandro

Verceles as staff and was actually groomed for vice governor of the province before she left and joined the staff of Sen. Panfilo Lacson in 2002.

The Aquino factor

Local political analysts say the “Aquino factor” could make a significant change in Soledad’s handlers’ present mindset.

Valenzuela residents have been very excited about recent developments in the Noynoy-Shalani romance.

Most of them told Shalani’s relatives they did not know that the two were an item.

Soledad’s relatives were very candid and open about their support for Noynoy and Shalani’s relationship even as the latter has chosen to keep mum about her love life.

“Lani said she promised Noynoy to keep her mouth shut (on anything about their relationship),” said the relative who spoke to The STAR on condition of anonymity.

“She really does not want to speak to media (about her relationship with Noynoy). When media asked if they were indeed a couple, she won’t give an answer,” said the source.

The relative said Soledad would rather not talk because anything she says might be misconstrued and even adversely affect the Aquino family.

When asked what made her fall for Noynoy, Soledad reportedly said the senator was handsome and intelligent and that she learns a lot from him.

“Shalani appears snooty but actually she is not. She is shy, soft-spoken, doesn’t shout. She’s humble and low-key,” said the source without realizing these were traits ascribed to the late President Corazon Aquino, Noynoy’s mother.

Although fiercely protective of her privacy, Soledad has been very tolerant of people close to her who may talk about what they know about her and the senator as a couple.

Sources close to Soledad said that Aquino and Soledad met at a chance encounter at Alfredo’s steakhouse in Quezon City sometime in July last year. The senator was with a group of friends and his staff while Soledad was in a meeting with Vice Mayor Martinez and fellow councilors about their political plans.

The source also said Noynoy told his companions at the table that he was getting married.

They asked who and the senator, in jest, pointed at Soledad seated at a nearby table, although they had not yet been introduced.

Soledad and her group then recognized the senator and requested to have a picture taken with him.

After that, Noynoy invited them for coffee at Starbucks. Soon after, Noynoy and Soledad started dating.

Relatives say they are “not very sure” but the couple will celebrate their anniversary on Sept. 5.

When The STAR attempted to buttonhole Soledad for an exclusive interview at the family compound in Barangay Karuhatan, Soledad, with a very sweet and disarming smile, simply said, “Maybe next time?”