PNoy defends political figures in rare TV interview

MANILA, Philippines — President Benigno Aquino III revealed his impressions on some key government figures and entertainment personalities in a television talk show interview aired Sunday night.

Defending some Cabinet members and commenting on his relationship with others, Aquino appeared on ABS-CBN's "Gandang Gabi, Vice" hosted by the network's top comedic talent Vice Ganda and set in Malacañan Palace.

The President called Philippine National Police chief Director General Alan Purisima his "friend" since the year after his mother, Corazon Aquino, assumed presidency in 1986. Purisima was ordered suspended by the Ombudsman last month over entering some allegedly anomalous contracts.

"Yung 'pag may imahen tayong negatibo sa kapulisan, hindi 'yon yung nakilala ko sa pagkatao nitong si Allan. Hindi namimili ng assignment, and dami n'yang pinauuli at wala siyang sinasanto, marami siyang kabaro na may maling ginagawa ngayong nakakulong," Aquino said.

Aquino also considers Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon "Dinky" Soliman as a reliable member of his Cabinet despite criticisms that the agency failed disaster victims of Super Typhoon Haiyan in 2013 and Typhoon Ruby last December.

"Maasahan. Kunwari may parating na sakuna, nando'n na," he said.

He also recalled his friendship with Vice President Jejomar Binay, a key opposition figure, dating back to the People Power Revolution in the 1980s.

"Matagal ko na ring kaibigan. Siya yung kasama ko noong EDSA revolution," Aquino said.

He was also asked to give brief descriptions of other known personalities, whose photos were flashed on a screen next to him.

Lawyer and activist Jejomar Binay (left) confers with Benigno "Noy-noy" Aquino III, son of martyred Ninoy Aquino, at the height of the People Power Revolution in 1986.  OVP

• Interior Secretary Mar Roxas - "Masipag at thorough."
• Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Henares - "Maraming natatakot."
• Social Welfare Secretary Corazon "Dinky" Soliman - "Nagba-blush on pala siya." "Maasahan. Kunwari may parating na sakuna, nando'n na."
• Camarines Sur Rep.Leni Robredo - Nakikita mo yung kay Jesse, tinutuloy yung ginagawa ni Jesse.
• Police Chief General Alan Purisima - "Kaibigan ko na 'tong si Alan [mula] '87. Tulad ng mga iba sa pulis at militar, bihira ngumiti, dito pinakiusapan na lang 'ata [na], 'Puwede bang pakilabas mo na na lahat ng ngiting hindi lumabas'." ... "Yung 'pag may imahen tayong negatibo sa kapulisan, hindi 'yon yung nakilala ko sa pagkatao nitong si Allan. Hindi namimili ng assignment, and dami n'yang pinauuli at wala siyang sinasanto, marami siyang kabaro na may maling ginagawa ngayong nakakulong."
• Justice Secretary Leila de Lima - "Sa hitsura pa lang, seryoso ... Doon kami nagkakaigi, sa trabaho talagang seryosong seryoso, pero kaya din naman pagaanin yung mundo."
• Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago - "Sa pose pa lang n'ya. Combative"
• Vice President Jejomar Binay - "Matagal ko na ring kaibigan. Siya yung kasama ko noong EDSA revolution." (Asked who is more good looking between them, he answered, "Siya na lang tanungin mo.")
• Stylist Liz Uy , whom Aquino was rumored to be dating - "Successful."
• Radio disc jockey Grace Lee, Aquino's former girlfriend - "Successful din 'ata."
• Aquino's sister and television personality Kris Aquino - "Interesting ang buhay n'ya."
• Vice Ganda - "Very interesting."