BSA’s love life—again

JEERS TO Manila Bulletin for  once again elevating President Benigno Aquino III’s rumored romances to national news status.

The Bulletin focused on Aquino’s alleged relationship with Binibining Pilipinas Universe Pia Wurtzbach, which appeared on page 4 of its June 25 issue and on its website. (“Nothing more than friendship, Ms. U bet says of links to PNoy”)

The Bulletin reported that Aquino and “rumored girlfriend” Wurtzbach usually talk “about the Philippines” when they have the chance to meet. In the report, Wurtzbach dismissed the possibility of her inviting Aquino to watch the Miss Universe pageant.

The article also reported Japanese adult film star Maria Ozawa’s interest to date Aquino. Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda declined to comment on the issue.

A previous CMFR review on media attention to Aquino’s love life (“Gossipy and trivial“) said “reporting the private lives of government officials whether elected or appointed can be justified if what’s being reported is relevant to these officials’ discharge of their public functions.” Such a connection was never established in the article mentioned.