The President returned home Tuesday after a weeklong working visit to the United States, admitting he

was a “little bit tired” but nevertheless glad to be home, bearing good news that his government netted

$2.4 billion in new investments from the trip.

Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda told reporters that Mr. Aquino, a known chain smoker, was

able to cope without cigarettes during the more than 13-hour flight to the United States and back by

reading books he had brought with him.

“[The President] told us: I have four books so I can read them on the way [there],” Lacierda told

reporters.

Lacierda, however, said he did not know the titles of the books Mr. Aquino brought with him.

Upon arriving from the United States in the wee hours of the morning Tuesday, the President stayed

away from the media the entire day.

Lacierda said that from the airport, Mr. Aquino went straight to Bahay Pangarap and rested after the long
flight.

Asked whether the President was taking a day off, Lacierda said he was not aware of Mr. Aquino’s

schedule but said the Chief Executive deserved to rest and recover from his long trip.

Later in the afternoon, Lacierda texted Palace reporters to say that after resting, Mr. Aquino held private

meetings at the presidential guesthouse.

Now back home, Mr. Aquino has resumed his activities, including and most likely, puffing his favorite

Marlboro menthols.