Noy urged to find his Valentine

MANILA, Philippines - Team PNoy candidates took time out from the campaign yesterday to give their team leader some advice: go out on a date on Valentine’s Day.

President Aquino, the nation’s most famous bachelor, is among the 13 percent of Filipinos – as indicated in a pre-Valentine survey – loveless on this day of hearts.

Several members of the administration coalition issued statements yesterday urging the 53-year-old President to take time off and go out on a date today.

Aquino has said he has no Valentine.

Senators Loren Legarda and Francis Escudero, both estranged from their spouses, wished that Aquino would find love.

Another candidate recently separated from his wife, Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III, said the President should enjoy a relaxing Valentine’s dinner with a date and listen to his favorite music.

“Good things come to those who wait,” said Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano.

“I hope if it’s not sooner but later, P-Noy will get lucky like me and find his Lani, the ideal wife – someone who is not only beautiful inside and out, someone who loves this country as much as we cherish our own relationship.”

Aurora Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara expressed the same hope, saying the President “deserves it.”

Aquino’s cousin Bam Aquino, who recently got married, expressed hope that the President would find someone who would take care of him as he is taking care of the country.

Former senator Ramon Magsaysay Jr. said the President deserves to be happy and have many children.

Grace Poe-Llamanzares said the President should make it a point to do things he can rarely do because of his duties as the nation’s highest official.

“I remember that last Christmas, P-Noy said he enjoyed getting a three-hour break and a chance to load songs into his iPod. The President badly needs some ‘me’ time,” Llamanzares said. 

Former Las Piñas congresswoman Cynthia Villar wished the President good health and more blessings “as you lead our country towards greater growth and progress.”

The only son of Ninoy and Cory Aquino has dated several women since becoming President and has said he hopes to settle down one day. But he said his position makes it difficult to go out on a date.