MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III took time off on Sunday to polish his markmanship skills with some some target practice at Langkaya, Antipolo.
(Click here to watch old video of Noynoy Aquino in Glock challenge.)
Makati Mayor Junjun Binay said Aquino gave the invitation 2 weeks ago but it was on Sunday that the event finally pushed through. He said his father, Vice-President Jejomar Binay, begged off from the event because he had to administer the oath of Camarines Sur Rep. Arnulfo Fuentebella.
Binay said he is an admirer of Aquino's marksmanship skills. He said Aquino is adept at using a pistol, Glock and rifle, and can hit a target dead-center at 100 meters.
He added that the President even trains his own security detail.
Binay said he and Aquino did not talk politics during the target practice. He reiterated that there is no rift between his and Aquino's families as reported in the media.
Manolo Quezon, Aquino's spokesman for the inauguration, earlier said Aquino is the first marksman to become president since Ferdinand Marcos, who belonged to the University of the Philippines rifle team.
He is also the second Philippine president who does not drink, the first being Emilio Aguinaldo.
He is the fifth smoker to be president, following the heels of Manuel Quezon, Manuel Roxas, Carlos P. Garcia and Joseph Estrada.