Smoker Offers Smoker Advice on How to Quit

Wouldn't it be best that a smoker take advice on how to quit from someone who has, you know, actually quit himself?

Barack Obama has offered to help Philippine president-elect Benigno Aquino quit smoking, as the US leader phoned to extend his congratulations, the incoming Filipino leader said Thursday.

Obama, who has fought a public battle to kick the habit himself, called hours after parliament proclaimed Aquino the official winner of the May 10 election on Wednesday, the new president-elect told reporters.

"At some point I attempted some humour," Aquino said.

"I said, 'Mr President I understand we have the same issue with smoking.' He told me, 'Well, I quit that already. I quit, it's your sole problem but I'm ready to offer advice.'"

Aquino said the US leader promised to send the advice "at the time that you decide to quit."

The 50-year-old Aquino, said by former colleagues to smoke up to two packets a day, conceded during the election campaign that stopping smoking would be good for his health and that he intended to kick the habit eventually.

However he changed his mind after learning he had won, saying quitting now would add stress to his life, and he has pointed out that as long as he follows smoking regulations and does not bother anyone, he should be free to smoke.

Obama, 48, promised his wife he would quit smoking when he ran for president -- but has admitted succumbing to the occasional cigarette several times since moving into the White House.

It's not as if Obama's smoking is any secret.

Although Reuters mysteriously calls him an ex-smoker.