Philippine president-apparent Senator Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Aquino III is not keen on being a poster boy for anti-smoking advocates, at least for now.Aquino told reporters that he would stop his smoking habit at the "appropriate" time, but said there may be too much pressure on him to kick the habit at this time.
"Noong tumakbo ako, alam ng taumbayan [na] naninigarilyo ako. At the appropriate time na hihinto ako, titigil ako. So long as nako-control ako sa mga batas at wala akong naiistorbo baka parte ito ng kalayaan kong natitira," Aquino said.
(When I ran for the presidency everyone knew I was a smoker. Perhaps I will kick the habit at the appropriate time. But for now, I hope people give me this leeway, as part of my remaining rights.)Last weekend, anti-tobacco groups urged Aquino, a smoker, to be a poster boy of sorts for their anti-smoking crusade.
Even the Department of Health (DOH) said it is coming out with an administrative order to put graphic warnings in tobacco products, and is hoping for support from the country’s most powerful smoker.
But Aquino admitted there is presently so much pressure on him because of the problems he will face as incoming president.
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