'P-Noy not a playboy'

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino, a 50-year-old bachelor, said yesterday that he was just being “friendly” as he rejected reports that he was dating several women in his first months in office.

Amid reports linking him to yet another woman, Aquino described himself as a member of the “Samahang Malamig ang Pasko” – meaning he would be spending a cold Christmas without the warmth of a romantic partner.

“Sa ngayon, oo (Right now, yes),” Aquino replied when asked if he was part of the group this Christmas season.

Aquino stressed he has yet to find a new girlfriend after breaking up with Valenzuela City Councilor Shalani Soledad, now a popular television game show host.

When asked if his stylist Liz Uy, his rumored girlfriend rejected him, Aquino merely replied: “What do you think?”

Yesterday, The STAR published a photograph of the President with Len Lopez, a stockbroker, while they were at a party. Lopez is reportedly Aquino’s new date.

When asked to comment on the photograph with Lopez, the President said it was taken during a gathering he attended in Tarlac.

“I am a very friendly person. It is my obligation to be friendly to everyone,” he said.

“You know that is why I am asking that you leave this to me, I am not doing anything wrong but the perpetual question as to when I am going to get married (is there) but nobody would want to meet with me anymore if it would be in the banner left and right,” an exasperated Aquino remarked.

Aquino stressed that he still has the privilege of pursuing his love life just like any ordinary person. 

“I think no courtship has occurred inviting the whole nation. Maybe it’s okay to have the same privilege, if not, it’s up to your conscience,” Aquino said.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said there was no reason to worry about tagging the President as a playboy.

“I don’t think so. As we said, President Aquino is single. There is nothing wrong if the President goes out once in a while with the little time left for himself,” she said.

Valte said she could not comment on whom the President was dating because that would mean intruding in private and personal matters.

Aquino also told reporters that he is now better after a bout of cold and upset stomach since Thursday.

Aquino said he caught a cold because of weather changes.

“But our schedule is continuous. When the weather changes, I am really like that, my sinusitis gets triggered by it but other than that, (I’m) not 100 percent (okay) but it is also not grave that I have to be rushed to the hospital,” Aquino said.