PNoy dodges ice bucket challenge

CEBU, Philippines - Unlike some Philippine government officials, President Benigno Aquino III won’t take the ice bucket challenge.

“Huwag na muna nating pag-usapan dahil una kong ivo-volunteer si Rey Marfil,” Aquino said in jest in an exclusive interview with Bombo Radyo aired on Thursday morning.

The president was referring to a communications official at the Palace.

“Una kong icha-challenge (Marfil), lalo ngayon may sipon ako medyo,” he said.

The ice bucket challenge is a viral campaign that aims to raise funds and awareness for ALS or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a neurodegenerative disease that causes paralysis and death.

The basic rules of the dare are: Someone issues a challenge — that you allow yourself to be doused with a bucket of ice and water. Then, the one challenged has 24 hours to make a $100 donation to the ALS Association or submit to the water torture. Or do both. And then you challenge someone else.

In the last month, everyone from Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates to former President George W. Bush has been doused.

The Internet and airwaves are awash in videos of people taking the challenge.

The challenge has reached the Philippines and some celebrities and government officials have done it.

Among those who recently accepted the dare were the president’s cousin Senator Benigno Aquino IV, and his closest allies Senate President Franklin Drilon and Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II.

Aquino’s local ally Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III has also accepted the challenge and will douse himself with ice-cold water next week because it is for a “good cause.”—Philippine Star News Service/RHM