Asia-Pacific

Philippine president says he's tired of text scams

(Agencies)
Updated: 2010-07-16 11:46
Large Medium Small

MANILA, Philippines - Not even presidents are spared cell phone text scams.

Related readings:
Philippine president says he's tired of text scams Benigno Aquino III sworn in as Philippine leader
Philippine president says he's tired of text scams Aquino takes oath, swears to fight graft
Philippine president says he's tired of text scams Aquino to move quickly on reforms

Philippine President Benigno Aquino III complained to reporters about the time he spent dealing with text messages from a person abroad claiming to be his sibling -- and asking for money. Aquino said he responded that he has no relatives abroad, but the texter was persistent and sent three follow-up messages.

Aquino said he also received unsolicited offers for car and house loans.

The newly elected president was quoted by newspapers as saying that he even considered changing his number, but decided against that because a lot of officials and friends already were using it.