MANILA, Philippines ? Health Secretary Enrique Ona is not about to advise President Bbenigno ?Noynoy? Aquino III to quit smoking, despite concerns aired about the President?s physical fitness and the well-documented reports of smoking?s ill effects.

The health chief was asked in a news briefing in Malacañang what his position was on the Chief Executive?s smoking habit and he answered that he was not the type of doctor who would tell his patient what to do.

?As a doctor, I don?t tell my patient what to do and what not to do. I give my patients all the options? We give them what we think is best for everybody health-wise and let the person decide on that,? Ona told reporters.

President Aquino has refused to quit smoking, saying it helps him deal with the pressures of his work.