MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles) – An official photograph of Philippine President NoyNoy Aquino shaking hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping has caused a stir in the international diplomatic community.

The photo, taken during a courtesy visit by the Chinese leader to the presidential palace in Manila, shows Aquino with his left hand inside his trousers’ pocket.

Many have even speculated that Aquino was holding on to a bullet — an obvious reference to the laglag bala scheme at the Ninoy Aquino Intrrnational Airport which has dominated the news of late. The scheme involves the ‘planting’ of bullets in bags of unsuspecting airline passengers allegedly by airport personnel for the purpose of extorting money.

The president’s staff have categorically denied the rumors.

Philippine veteran actor extraordinaire Bernardo Bernardo told The Adobo Chronicles he didn’t think there was any bullet inside Aquino’s pocket.  Bernardo was more concerned about the fact that Aquino’s barong tagalog seemed to be crumpled.

Perhaps, Aquino’s housekeeper had the day off?