Noynoy attends girlfriend's proclamation rally

MANILA, Philippines - The Liberal Party kicked off its campaign for local candidates in Metro Manila in Valenzuela, with its standard-bearer, Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, attending a proclamation rally for Councilor Shalani Soledad and other LP bets.

Aquino and Soledad, who is seeking re-election, drew wild cheers from supporters who went out to see them during a motorcade that ended at a covered court in Barangay Marulas, where the proclamation rally for Soledad and the other LP bets was held.

“Kiss, kiss!” the crowd screamed at the couple, who residents said was like a movie loveteam. Aquino declined, saying it would be embarrassing to kiss his girlfriend when he just came from Bataan and was sweating.

He said in jest it was important to campaign in Valenzuela because “my number one supporter is from here.”

Soledad said they were “very lucky” that Aquino went to be with her and her constituents yesterday. Aquino said Soledad would already focus on her campaign since she had been going around the country for him before the start of the local campaign.

Aquino introduced Soledad as “my favorite councilor in the country.” When asked to kiss again, Aquino again refused. Aquino said he had been busy since he was named LP standard-bearer.

“Shalani may no longer know me,” he said, drawing laughter from the crowd. Aquino said he now rarely talks to Soledad but he would send her text messages at least three times a day.

He begged that his time with his girlfriend be private because he told the audience “I gave you my life and my hair” already.

Asked if there would be wedding bells before the May 10 elections, he said: “I don’t think so” because everyone would be watching for the results of the elections.   – Aurea Calica