MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – One of Philippine President NoyNoy Aquino’s biggest regrets is that he was never given a ‘honeymoon period.’  So, he is giving incoming President Rodrigo Duterte the benefit of the doubt.

“I’d like to give him what wasn’t given to me—a honeymoon period,” Aquino said of his conscious effort to refrain from commenting on the recent statements of Duterte. He added that he doesn’t want to add to the multitude of voices that could “add to the strain” when one needs to make important decisions.

However, critics of Aquino argued that the lack of a honeymoon period was because of the president’s own doing — or undoing.

He remained a bachelor during his 6 years in office. 

“How can there be a honeymoon,” the critics said.

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – President-elect Rodrigo Duterte may be tough as hell, but like any human being, he has a soft spot — he is afraid of ghosts.

It is precisely this fear of spirits roaming the earth — and roaming Malacañang —  that Duterte has said that he will not live in the presidential palace in Manila.  Instead, he says he will commute back and forth to Davao City which he intends to make the new seat of government.

In an exclusive interview with The Adobo Chronicles, the mayor said that Malacañang is worse than a haunted house. He added: “Think of all the dead presidents that have lived therein. How can I perform my presidential duties when I’m constantly being watched by these spirits?”

Duterte says he is planning to auction off the presidential palace to the highest bidder, adding that it would make for a great museum and tourist attraction like San Jose’s (California) Winchester Mystery House and Baguio City’s Laperal (White) House.

It is also rumored that Duterte is considering auctioning off Baguio’s Mansion House, the summer residence of the Philippine president.

Any takers?