Aquino denies buying bulletproof Lexus

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino clarified yesterday that he did not buy a bulletproof Lexus LX 570 sports utility vehicle aside from a Porsche.

The President made a surprise visit to the Malacañang Press Corps at the New Executive Building to clarify certain matters, including the Lexus SUV.

“My brother-in-law leased it for me. The alternative was to buy a different vehicle by the government,” Aquino said, noting that he did not want to get such an expensive vehicle with government funds.

The President said he had been using his own Toyota Land Cruiser instead of the presidential limousine, but it was malfunctioning after its engine got wet during tropical storm “Ondoy” in 2009.

He said the limousine was supposed to be his service car but it could only be used for visiting dignitaries.

Aquino said for security reasons, he needed an armored vehicle like the Lexus “but I did not buy that.”

He also requested that the security features of the car not be discussed for obvious safety reasons.

Aquino said if he would not take care of his security, the next criticism would be that he was exposing himself to unnecessary risks.

“It was not armored when it came and he (brother-in-law) had it armored. I don’t think I’ve ever driven that,” Aquino said.