P-Noy now mum on Grace Lee

MANILA, Philippines - Was he rejected or have they broken up already?

Unlike in previous interviews, bachelor President Aquino had no comment on the status of his relationship with Korean disc jockey Grace Lee, whom he had earlier admitted dating.

“Sasabihin ni Justice (Serafin) Cuevas parang immaterial, irrelevant, impertinent,” the Chief Executive told reporters in an interview late Sunday in Baguio City, in reference to Cuevas’ frequent answer on queries over his client Renato Corona.

When Aquino sensed that a radio reporter was about to ask a question on his love life, he joked, “Teka, inaantok na talaga ako (Wait, I’m really sleepy).”

On speculations that The Mansion – the official residence of the President when he visits the so-called City of Pines – would be the venue for the reception when he finally ties the knot, he said to Leo Palo, a reporter of radio dzME , “Ikaw ba handa kang mag-honeymoon dito sa building na ito? Na kung saan baka makilala mo ang mga makasaysayang mga ninuno natin (Are you ready to have your honeymoon in this building where you might meet our historic ancestors)?”

In mid-February, Aquino candidly admitted that he had long wanted to marry, since as far back as his college days at the Ateneo de Manila University, but has not been lucky.

“Matagal ko nang plano iyan ( marriage), college pa lang ako. Hindi lang ako sini-swerte (I have long planned to get married, even back in my college days. I’m just not lucky),” he told Palace reporters in a chance interview at Baler, Aurora which celebrated its 33rd founding anniversary last Feb. 19.

While he previously admitted dating Lee, Aquino was non-committal when asked who is his inspiration nowadays. “Kung sino iyon, aalamin natin iyon (whoever she is, we will find out),” he said, drawing laughter from the crowd.

But he repeated the declaration he made when he ran for president in May 2010, when he stated that the masses – a majority of whom are still mired in poverty – are his priority, insisting that he is “married” to the Filipino people.

“Given the burdens of my office, kung mayroon kang nahihingahan, naku-kwentuhan, kung may nagsasabi sa iyong okay ka pa, siyempre iyun ang susi ng inspirasyon (if you have someone to confide to, to tell stories to, and who will say that you’re okay – that is the key of your inspiration),” he said, referring to the masses.

The President said his parents – slain senator Ninoy Aquino and the late President Cory Aquino, both called democracy icons in the Philippines – have always been his role models.