Mr Obama has battled cigarette addiction for years, but told President-elect Benigno Aquino in a phone call that he has now fully quit.
“At some point I attempted some humour, saying ‘Mr President, I understand we have the same issue with smoking,’” Mr Aquino said after parliament proclaimed him the official winner of the Philippine elections.
“He told me, ‘I kicked the habit, so you are going to have to work on that one yourself. I can give you advice, though.’”
Mr Aquino, who smokes two packets a day according to former colleagues, said the US President promised to send the advice “at the time that you decide to quit”.
