PNoy: Let's not talk about the ice bucket challenge

The Internet has been abuzz with the ice bucket challenge, but the Philippines' top elected official doesn't even want to talk about it.

President Benigno Aquino III shunned a question during a Bombo Radyo interview on whether or not he would do the viral challenge, which involves the dumping of ice water on a person nominated for the dare.

"Huwag na muna nating pag-usapan... Kung icha-challenge, lalo ngayon may sipon ako medyo," Aquino said in the interview aired on Thursday.

The President also did not mention anything about donating for for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research, which the ice bucket challenge seek to raise funds for.

He nevertheless quipped that he might volunteer one of his closest friends, Communications Undersecretary Rey Marfil, to do the challenge.

Some members of Aquino's Cabinet, such as Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, have already taken on the ice bucket challenge.

Members of Congress, including Senator Sonny Angara and Iloilo Rep. Niel Tupas Jr., have also agreed to be drenched with ice-cold water to promote awareness and funds for ALS.

In the United States, President Barack Obama also declined to do the ice bucket challenge, while former American President George W. Bush did it. — Andreo Calonzo/JDS, GMA News