PNoy to remain 'married' to the Filipino people until 2016

SAN PABLO, LAGUNA – President Benigno Aquino III made a pledge of love on Valentine's Day, not to a special lady, but to his countrymen.

 

The first bachelor president of the Philippines, Aquino told reporters Thursday that he will remain “married” to the Filipino people, at least until his term expires in 2016. 

 

After that, however, Aquino said he wants to prioritize his love life.

 

“'Di ba nakasal naman tayo sa taumbayan until 2016, June 30, noon? After that, siguro naman puwede ko ng i-prioritize 'yon, kung may chance pa,” Aquino said.

 

Aquino has dated several high profile women in the past, but, according to him, none of them has been able to stand his rigorous schedule.

 

He last dated Korean TV personality Grace Lee, but the two have gone their separate ways. 

 

The president's high profile dates also include celebrity stylist Liz Uy, stockbroker Len Lopez, and Valenzuela City councilor Shalani Soledad, his girlfriend during the months leading up to the presidential election in 2010.

 

Pressed by reporters Thursday about his plans for Valentine's Day, Aquino candidly told them in jest he might turn to the Internet to find a date.

 

“Pagbalik ko mamaya, maghahanap ako nang makakausap mamayang gabi para hindi naman magsawa si Joshua, kaming dalawa lang nag-uusap. Baka naman sumubok na lang tayo sa Internet na,” Aquino said jokingly, after a meeting with local leaders.

 

Advice to single Pinoys

 

Asked what he can advise fellow single Filipinos who don't have a date, Aquino said there is no shortage of activities to pass the time.

 

“Buti na lang maraming sine sa cable. Marami kang DVD na mapapanood. May libro rin, baka pagkakataong mabasa na ngayon,” Aquino said.

 

But Aquino revealed he might have to spend Valentine’s Day studying thick reports his Cabinet has forwarded to him, including high-profile cases of the Atimonan shootout, and the grounding of the USS Guardian in Tubbataha.

 

“['Yung] katakut-takot na inches na memo na briefer ang pinadala sa akin, puwede ring habulin ng—katulad nung Atimonan na report, five inches thick e. Siyempre, 'yung plano sa Tubbataha is also one of the readings, exactly paano ba mami-minimize 'yung damage when you salvage the Guardian itself,” Aquino said. —KG, GMA News