MANILA, Philippines—Swamped with work and having no time for love.

President Benigno Aquino III joked with military officers on Tuesday about his inability to find a girlfriend because of his demanding work hours.

President Benigno Aquino III. FILE PHOTO

“After office na raw ‘to, pwede na tayong manligaw sana. Kaya pag itinanong, sabihin nyo kadamay kayo sa dahilan kasi importante yung makabahagi ko kayo,” Aquino told a room full of military men who were in Malacanang for the 45th Armed Forces of the Philippines Sergeant Major and the 19th Non Commissioned Officers Say.

(This is after office hours already, we should be already allowed to court women. So if someone asks, tell them you’re part of the reason why I still don’t have a girlfriend because it is important for me to be with you.)

His remark was greeted by laughter.

Aquino narrated how Jesus is Lord leader Bro. Eddie Villanueva prayed for his health and his love life during the JIL’s anniversary last week.

“Pinagdasal tayong lahat ni Brother Eddie at medyo nagulat ako dun sa parte na pati ang aking love life ay dinamay na nya. Sana naman hindi act of desperation yun,” he said in jest.

(Brother Eddie prayed for us and I was slightly surprised at the part where he included my love life. I hope that was not an act of desperation.)

As a bachelor, Aquino’s love life has made headlines in the past. Aquino has also used the topic as an ice breaker, as in the case of the said speech. Kristine Angeli Sabillo