Sexy, blonde bombshells like Pamela Anderson are not sufficient enticements for the 53-year-old bachelor president of the Philippines, Benigno Aquino III, particularly if the subject matter is an ailing elephant.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda disclosed over the weekend that the president turned down the dinner date invitation from the former Baywatch star and current animal rights advocate because he has no plans of going to Los Angeles, California where the dinner date would have been held.

Malacanang Palace made the clarification in response to the letter of Ms Anderson, 45, lauding the president for moving Mali, the Asian elephant that lives in the Manila Zoo and is suffering from foot ailment, to a wildlife sanctuary. However, the invitation was for an LA dinner in case Mr Aquino happens to be in California.

Ms Anderson praised Mr Aquino's character and integrity which she described as inspiring.

Mr Lacierda said that the president referred the handling of Mali to Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala who is willing to meet Ms Anderson in LA. He added that besides having no plan to leave for LA, the president is too busy attending to the country's many problems and endorsing candidates for the May 13 election to have time to date anyone, blond and sexy or otherwise.

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