MANILA, Philippines - Presidential frontrunner Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III admitted that he would smoke even during the observance of the World Tobacco Day yesterday. When asked about it, he replied: “Palagay ko po (I think so).”
In a separate interview, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile does not want to meddle in Aquino’s smoking habit.
“I won’t meddle in the personal habits of a person. If he wants to drink wine, if he wants to drink brandy or whiskey, that is his prerogative,” Enrile said.
“Why deny him? If he wants to smoke, as long as he does not affect others, fine. I used to smoke a lot.”
Enrile also downplayed the advise of Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral, who reportedly warned Aquino on the ill-effects of smoking and a smoking ban in government buildings.
“We have a room (in the Senate building) with an exhaust for smoking senators,” he said.
He said the public should respect Aquino’s decision to smoke.
On retaining Cabral as health secretary, Aquino said he is looking for candidates for his Cabinet and reviewing their credentials.