Aquino, De Lima: A budding romance?

IRIGA CITY, Philippines—A budding romance?

It was an early Valentine’s Day celebration for President Benigno Aquino III and former Justice Secretary Leila De Lima as the two drew laughter after the bachelor President complimented and gave chocolates to the senatorial aspirant in front of thousands of Irigeños here.

“Noong huli kaming nagkita masyado ka yatang namayat, Leila, (From the last time we saw each other, I think you’ve lost some weight),” the President complimented the secretary who was seen giggling while on her seat.

Aquino then interrupted his speech and handed a box of chocolates to De Lima on stage. “Minabuti kong may pasalubong ako, ibibigay ko lang (I’ve prepared a gift. I am giving it [to her] now.”

As he went back to the podium, Aquino said, still looking at De Lima: “Nakita ko kasi parang nagmistulang lalaban ka ng Binibing Pilipinas (From what I saw, it looked like you’re about to join the Binibining Pilipinas [pageant]).”

Aquino was earlier rumored to have dated then Bb. Pilipinas candidate and now Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach.

READ: Pia Wurtzbach’s ‘lucky charm’–flowers from Aquino

De Lima is now single, having annulled her marriage from her husband, lawyer Plaridel Bohol Jr. They have two children.

De Lima is running for Senator under the administration-backed “Daang Matuwid” coalition.

As the President vowed to make time for the Liberal Party’s national elections campaign, he has been consistently joining standard-bearer Mar Roxas, Vice Presidential candidate Leni Robredo and the LP Senate slate in proclamation rallies in different provinces. TVJ