Noy entitled to love life - senators

MANILA, Philippines - A happy president works harder.

So respect his wishes and let him be regarding his love life. This is the advice of Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Juan Miguel Zubiri to the public that seems more interested in President Aquino’s romantic affairs than his work as chief executive.

“You know, the President wants to get the job done and he does not want to get the public distracted by his love life, however colorful. So in one sense, I would like for all of us to respect his wishes and allow him to focus on the job,” Cayetano said. “On the other hand, as a public figure, every aspect of your life is fair game.”

Aquino, a bachelor at 50, has admitted to dating his stylist Liz Uy and has appealed to the media to avoid discussing his romantic affairs.

Zubiri said it is natural for the public to get excited over Aquino’s affairs but he should be given some privacy.

“He has the right to fall in love with whomever he wants and he has the right to privacy,” he said. “I know we love that kind of news and we get excited over it.”

Aquino has just finished attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in Yohohama, Japan. One of the big newspapers there, the Japan Times, carried news items about his participation in the summit and his new romance with Uy.

In his speech before the Filipino community in Yokohama, he joked: “Here in Japan, we were able to discuss a lot of things and was even able to raise the travel advisory with (US) President Obama and other coordination with different regions. But what came out in the newspaper here is about my love life.”

During his arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport yesterday, Aquino hinted he would retain Uy as his stylist even if they are dating.

“I’m sure she (Uy) will be there to help me,” he said.

Aquino’s communication with ex-girlfriend Valenzuela Councilor Shalani Soledad is now limited to texting, according to Soledad. – With Delon Porcalla, Perseus Echeminada, Aurea Calica