MANILA - US President Barack Obama is willing to offer advice President-elect Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III should the he decide to quit smoking.
Obama himself was a heavy smoker but quit the habit after he won.
And this smoking habit was one of those discussed by the two leaders when they talked over the phone Wednesday night when Obama congratulated Aquino on his proclamation.
"At some point I attempted some humor," Aquino said.
"I said, 'Mr. President I understand we have the same issue with smoking.' He told me, 'Well, I quit that already. I quit, it's your sole problem but I'm ready to offer advice.'"
Aquino said the US leader promised to send the advice "at the time that you decide to quit."
But Aquino had previously said that he would only quit smoking at a proper time.
The 50-year-old Aquino, said by former colleagues to smoke up to two packets a day, conceded during the election campaign that stopping smoking would be good for his health and that he intended to kick the habit eventually.
However he changed his mind after learning he had won, saying quitting now would add stress to his life, and he has pointed out that as long as he follows smoking regulations and does not bother anyone, he should be free to smoke.
Obama, 48, promised his wife he would quit smoking when he ran for president – but has admitted succumbing to the occasional cigarette several times since moving into the White House.
Aquino described his conversation with Obama as "very pleasant" and said he found the US leader "very sincere" in strengthening ties with the Philippines, a former colony and a military ally in Asia.
The two men touched on a possible visit by Aquino to Washington, Aquino told reporters, but the Filipino stressed he would have to attend to other concerns of the state first.
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