Media are having a field day working with the new occupant in Malaca?ang.President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, the 15th president of the republic, rarely declines ambush interviews since he assumed office.Members of the Malaca?ang Press Corps (MPC) make a beeline each time the chief executive moves to respond to media queries. Taken by surprise when Aquino recently hosted a dinner, reporters indulged in an extended photo opportunity session. On insistent prodding, the president even broke into a song and gamely sang in front of the reporters. The president, who prefers to be addressed as P.Noy, also delighted media men with a horde of stories. Pilipino Star Ngayon reporter Lilia “Mader” Tolentino, who was MPC president at the time of former president Joseph Estrada, said the new president's friendliness with the media is a refreshing change. “I am surprised that he could be so casual and no holds bar. He will answer whatever question you would ask,” Tolentino told ABS-CBN News. Tony Velasquez, an ABS-CBN News Channel anchorman, said Aquino's openness to the media is different. Velasquez, who also served as MPC president, likened Aquino's friendliness with the media to that of Estrada. He, however, is concerned that the media may take advantage of this closeness. “He might be abused by media, although it is good for the government and the public because the president the message he want to say,” he said. It was usual for new presidents to warm up to the media in the early days of their term. It's all well between the president and the media for now. But one wonders, how long will this honeymoon period last? – ABS
