MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang feigned innocence yesterday on the claim of Korean television personality Grace Lee that President Aquino himself had offered to have some members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) act as her bodyguards.
“Personal security? I will have to confirm, I am not aware of it. I don’t think that the President…,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte told Palace reporters when sought for a reaction on the revelations made by the latest apple of Aquino’s eye.
In her regular “Balitanghali” show over GMA-7 Monday, Lee – whom Aquino had admitted having dinner with – mentioned that they talk to each other for as long as five hours, and that she is not bored with him.
“The President has in fact offered me security detail but I politely turned it down because I can take care of myself naman e,” she said.
When asked whether PSG members can provide security “outside the official family,” Valte retorted: “I will have to check, again, what the policies of the PSG will be in reference to that particular matter.”
Pressed further, as to whether it will affect the President’s handling of the affairs of the state, the Palace undersecretary clammed up completely. “Well, I will not comment. That is part of the person – the private life of the President. Again, I will not comment,” Valte said.
Aquino, who is turning 52 today, asked the public not to spare his lovelife any more attention, especially since he already lost his privacy when he ran for public office.
Valte said a Mass may be held at the Heroes’ Hall in Malacañang to celebrate the occasion. All Palace employees and the President’s family are expected to attend, but Valte begged off from answering whether Lee is invited.