'Noy's appeal for privacy a human request'

Manila, Philippines - President Aquino’s appeal for a little privacy was “just a very human request” even as the name of his new date had been revealed, Malacañang said yesterday.

Those close to the President said Aquino’s date was Bunny Calica, a 27-year-old teacher from Cebu. They were seen attending the Hotdog reunion concert in Makati City last Monday night.

Aquino met Calica, the daughter of a pilot, four years ago and had the chance to reconnect with her this year.

Aquino, however, maintained it was a “private matter” and would not want to share how he met the girl and how they reconnected.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said they understand the opinion of some people that Aquino is a public figure, and thus his love life is also subject to a lot of inquiries and talks.

“This is just a very human request on anyone’s part to have some level of privacy even if he’s a public official,” Lacierda said.

Lacierda told a press briefing that it was also expected that the President’s request for a little privacy would be respected.

“He has really been robbed of his privacy, it is also quite embarrassing already. So he’s asking that there be some measure of privacy. And again, we perfectly understand where they’re coming from. Please also understand where the President is coming from, he would like the people and the media to respect his privacy,” Lacierda said.

Lacierda said he would tell Aquino about observations that he was the one mentioning his love life – or the lack of it – in his speeches.

But as regards his sisters offering information, Lacierda said “that is a matter between the President and his sisters.”

On a scale of one to 10, Lacierda said it would be a 10 if he were to gauge the seriousness of the President on his request for privacy.

“All his events are public. He really has no more privacy, especially when he goes out. Even if he has no date, pictures of him are being taken even when he’s eating. It’s really hard to eat while being photographed. So he would like some measure of privacy, really,” Lacierda said.

Lacierda said he was not aware of the President’s date and it would be Aquino’s decision whether to talk about it.

“As far as we’re concerned, we do not comment on the private life of the President,” he said.

“We understand where media are coming from. He’s an ordinary human being also but because he has a very prominent public position, media demand from him that his life be open, but as human being, he requests privacy.”

Lacierda also refused to comment on arguments that the public should know whom the President was dating since she could become the country’s first lady.

He said the situation of the President’s date must be taken into consideration because they are private people who are not used to having cameras trailing them.

“They cannot help but feel awkward,” Lacierda said.