Noy mum on breakup with Shalani

REINA MERCEDES, Isabela, Philippines – President Aquino yesterday remained tight-lipped over news reports that he had broken up with Valenzuela Councilor Shalani Soledad, his girlfriend of about two years.

“Can you please let me keep my private life private,” the President told Palace reporters, who asked him to confirm rumors of their breakup. He was here for the closing ceremonies of the 7th Philippine National Corn Congress.

Previously, when asked about the status of his relationship with Soledad, he merely pointed out that they didn’t have time to be together.  

Sources said Mr. Aquino and Soledad met for dinner at Alfredo’s steak restaurant along Tomas Morato Street in Quezon City after he arrived from his US trip. The two met at this place when Mr. Aquino was still a senator.

The two have reportedly agreed to call it quits, since both admitted they could hardly find time for each other. According to the sources, the President and Soledad first went on a “cool off period” and then broke up after Aquino arrived from his US trip.

As reports on the breakup came out, a Facebook account called “Love Destroyed” surfaced and said Soledad had found someone else. Rumors have it that she and her former mayor-boyfriend – who is from northern Metro Manila – are back together.

Last month, Mr. Aquino admitted that due to his very busy schedule attending to problems of state, he could hardly go out on dates anymore.

When asked if he hopes he could date more often, he quipped: “As the Americans say, hope springs eternal.”