PNoy in joking mood after hearing Llamas story

Presidential political adviser Ronald Llamas has already talked with President Benigno Aquino III regarding the controversy involving his ownership of an AK-47 assault rifle, and the President does not seem to be bothered by it. In fact on Tuesday, Aquino and Llamas were both present at an event in Pasay City celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Local Government Code. Aquino even joked about Llamas in his speech before local government officials. “Of course Ronald Llamas… Baka akala nyo nagtatago si Ronald Llamas, present and accounted for po siya," a smiling Aquino said, acknowledging Llamas’ presence in the audience. Interviewed after the event, Llamas said he talked with Aquino earlier in the day but the discussion focused more on his recent trip to Geneva, Switzerland, than the controversy involving the firearm. “Basically, napag-usapan namin iyong biyahe ko sa Geneva… iyong mga pasasalamat na pinaabot ni former Prime Minister ng Portugal Antonio Guterres sa ating gobyerno at iyong kanyang offer na gawing Ambassador of Goodwill si Kris Aquino bilang simbolo ng mga political refugees sa mundo. Mas doon napunta iyong aming pag-uusap," Llamas said. Llamas, who said there are threats to his life, faced the media on Monday and admitted owning five firearms. The AK-47 was discovered after his vehicle figured in an accident last week while it was being driven by two of his staff members. At the time, Llamas was in Switzerland.

PNoy's advice He said the President asked him the context of the incident and its political implications. “Baka gamitin ng mga kalaban para palakihin ng husto out of proportion. Tinanong naman niya iyong mga legalities ng mga papeles at ni-report ko naman iyong report din ng Philippine National Police tungkol dito," Llamas said. He said Aquino advised him to be careful in choosing his staff and in implementing the policy of his office. Asked on the emotion of the President during their talk, Llamas said Aquino seemed happy. “Nakita niyo naman medyo masaya siya at nakikipagbiro at mukhang naalaska pa ako nang kaunti. Kaya siguro iyon na mismo iyong maging batayan," he said. He said Aquino did not ask him to resign. Earlier in the day, he said he is ready to resign only if the President will ask him to. Other government officials who were present at the event were Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Health Secretary Enrique Ona, and presidential adviser on the peace process Teresita Deles. — KBK, GMA News