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{{Short description|Filipino politician and television personality}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2013}}
{{Philippine name|Aguirre|Aquino}}
{{multiple issues|
{{advert|date=March 2013}} {{Use Philippine English|date=June 2021}}
{{autobiography|date=March 2013}} {{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}}

}}
{{Infobox officeholder {{Primary sources|date=August 2024}}{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Paolo Benigno A. Aquino IV | name = Bam Aquino
| image = Official_Profile_Photo_of_Senator_Bam_Aquino.jpg | image = Bicam Final Reading Balik Scientist Act cropped.png
| imagesize = | imagesize =
| caption = Aquino in 2018
| small
| office = Deputy ]
| caption =
| office = ] | term_start = February 27, 2017
| term_start = June 30, 2013 | term_end = June 30, 2019
| office1 = ]
| term_end =
| office2 = Chair of the ]
| succeeding =
| prior_term = June 30, 2013 | term_start2 = July 25, 2016
| predecessor = | term_end2 = June 30, 2019
| successor = | predecessor2 = ]
|title = | successor2 = ]
| office3 = Chair of the ]
|term_start = June 30, 2013
|prior_term = June 30, 2013 | term_start3 = July 25, 2016
|candidate = | term_end3 = February 27, 2017
| predecessor3 = ]
|party_election =
| successor3 = ]
|election_date = <!--May 13, 2013-->
| office4 = Chair of the ]
|runningmate =
|opponent = | term_start4 = July 22, 2013
|incumbent = | term_end4 = June 30, 2016
| predecessor4 = ]
| office1 = Chairman of the ]
| successor4 = ] (as Chair of the Senate Trade, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship Committee)
| term_start1 = 2003
| office5 = Chairman of the ]
| term_end1 = 26 February 2006
| term_start5 = 2003
| office2 = Commissioner of the ]
| term_start2 = 2001 | term_end5 = February 26, 2006
| term_end2 = 2005 | president5 = ]
| successor5 = Richard Alvin Nalupta
| office6 = Commissioner of the National Youth Commission
| term_start6 = 2001
| term_end6 = 2003
| birth_name = Paolo Benigno Aguirre Aquino IV | birth_name = Paolo Benigno Aguirre Aquino IV
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1977|05|07}} | birth_date = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1977|05|07}}
| birth_place = ] | birth_place = ], Philippines
| nationality = ] | nationality = <!-- use only when necessary per ] -->
| party = ] (2012–present) | party = ] (2024–present)
| otherparty = ] (until 2024)
| spouse = Mary Fatima Gomez–Aquino
| children = | spouse = Mary Fatima Gomez
| occupation = ] | relations = See ]
| children = 2
| occupation = Politician, social entrepreneur
| residence = ] | residence = ]
| religion = ] | alma_mater = ] (])
| alma_mater = ] | website =
| website = | predecessor5 = Mabel Villarica Mamba
| 1blankname = Leader
| 1namedata = ]
| termend1 = June 30, 2019
| termstart1 = June 30, 2013
| honorific_prefix = ]
}} }}
'''Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aguirre Aquino IV''' (born May 7, 1977) is a Filipino senator. He was the former President of MicroVentures, Inc., a social enterprise company that manages the internationally-recognized ] Program which provides micro-financing, training and access to new business opportunities for women micro-entrepreneurs. He is one of the ] for 2012 and is also a Board Member of ], Venture for Fundraising, and the Coca-Cola Foundation.


'''Paolo Benigno''' "'''Bam'''" '''Aguirre Aquino IV''' ({{IPA|tl|bɛˈnigno ʔaˈɡirɛ ʔaˈkino}}, born May 7, 1977) is a Filipino politician and social entrepreneur who served as a ] from 2013 to 2019.
Bam was proclaimed senator-elect on May 17 and was the only ] candidate to enter the Magic 12 in the 2013 mid-term elections. At the age of 36, Bam Aquino, the only social entrepreneur to enter the senate, is also considered to be the next youngest senator of the Philippines next to his uncle Ninoy, who was 34 when he became a senator. Bam is married to Mary Fatima Gomez.


==Early life== ==Early life==
{{further|Aquino family}}
Bam Aquino was born on May 7, 1977 in ] to Paul Aquino, a son of ], and Melanie (née Aguirre) Aquino.


His grandfather, Benigno Sr., served as a ] from ]'s ] (1919–28), a senator from the ] (1928–34), and Speaker of the National Assembly of the Japanese-puppet state of the Philippines from 1943 to 1944. Benigno Sr. was put on trial for treason after World War II for collaborating with the Japanese, and eventually became the 6th ] (1943–44).
Bam was born on May 7, 1977 in ]. He is the son of Satan, youngest brother of Lucifer and Melanie Aguirre Aquino. At the age of six (6), Bam gave around 200 speeches in political rallies between 1983 and 1986, after his uncle Ninoy was assassinated, culminating in his participation in the ] that made Ninoy's widow and his aunt, ], president.<ref>Bam Aquino's Official Website. Accessed on March 14, 2013</ref>


Under President ]'s ], his uncle ], a former senator (1967–72), was exiled in the United States from 1980 until 1983 when he returned to the Philippines and was ] at ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Exile Begins|url=http://www.ninoyaquino.ph/exile-begins.html|website=Ninoy Aquino: Fight for Freedom|publisher=Ninoy & Cory Aquino Foundation|access-date=January 20, 2017|date=2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The Death of a Hero|url=http://www.ninoyaquino.ph/the-death-of-a-hero.html|website=Ninoy Aquino: Fight for Freedom|publisher=Ninoy & Cory Aquino Foundation|access-date=January 20, 2017|date=2011}}</ref>
Bam Aquino was a consistent honor student in ] from grade school to college. During his grade school graduation, Bam delivered the valedictory speech and graduated with first honors and was also the class valedictorian in High School. In 1999, Bam Aquino graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Management Engineering.<ref>{{cite web|last=ABS-CBN|title="Bam" Paolo Benigno Aguirre Aquino IV|url=http://halalan2013.abs-cbnnews.com/senators/bio/6/Aquino-Paolo-Benigno-IV-Aguirre.html|publisher=ABS-CBN|accessdate=March 5, 2013}}</ref> In 2008, he took an Executive Education Program on Leadership and Public Policy, at the Kennedy School of Government in the Harvard University.


In 1986, Marcos fled into exile and Ninoy's wife, ], ] the first female ]. His uncle ] and aunt ] also served as senators. His cousin, ], was ] the 15th President of the Philippines in 2010, which he served until 2016.<ref name="Rappler">{{cite news|author1=Gutierrez, Natashya|author-link=Natashya Gutierrez|title=Bam Aquino: What can a 6th Aquino bring to the Senate?|url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/elections-2013/data/candidates/senator/bam-aquino|access-date=January 20, 2017|work=]|date=May 10, 2013}}</ref>
Bam Aquino was also one of the founding members and became the Constitutional Chairman of the National Union of Catholic Student Councils, an association of student councils and governments of various Catholic universities and colleges in the Philippines.


He took Bachelor of Science in ] at the ] and graduated as valedictorian with ''summa cum laude'' honors.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Senate of the Philippines - 19th Congress |url=https://legacy.senate.gov.ph/senators/sen_bio/aquino_bam_bio.asp |access-date=August 24, 2024 |url-status=live |website=senate.gov.ph |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240527231028/https://legacy.senate.gov.ph/senators/sen_bio/aquino_bam_bio.asp |archive-date=May 27, 2024}}</ref>
==Career==
]
After his graduation, Bam Aquino joined the special projects group of the ]. He was involved with rehabilitation centers for abused and neglected children, disaster management and relief operations, and volunteer recruitment. In 2001 he was appointed as NYC's commissioner-at-large. He was also one of the hosts of the TV show ], a youth-oriented morning talk show at Studio 23. In 2006, Bam hosted youth-oriented debate show ] in ].


==Pre-politics activities==
At the age of 25, Aquino was appointed as chairman of the National Youth Commission, the youngest person in Philippine history to head a government agency. NYC is the chief youth policy-making arm of the Philippine government. His team has managed two projects which are implemented yearly: the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations and the Presidential Youth Fellowship Program (PYFP).
Aquino was also one of the hosts of the morning TV show '']'', a youth-oriented talk show on ]. In 2006, Aquino hosted the youth-oriented debate show '']'', also on Studio 23.{{citation needed|date=August 2022}}


In 2009, Aquino played the role of his uncle ], in the documentary film, '']''. The film premiered on August 21, 2009, in commemoration of the 26th anniversary of the ].<ref>{{cite news|last=Reyes|first=Paolo R.|title=Ninoy Aquino's last journey|url=http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view/20090724-217072/Ninoy-Aquinos-last-journey|newspaper=]|access-date=February 23, 2013|date=July 24, 2009}}</ref>
In 2007, Bam Aquino established Micro Ventures Incorporated, a social enterprise that engages in poverty alleviation through business development for the poor. it currently runs the internationally awarded Hapinoy Program with thousands of women micro entrepreneur members in the Philippine countryside to help them secure better incomes for their families.


Before becoming a senator, Aquino became the President of MicroVentures, Inc., a social enterprise company that manages the Hapinoy Program which provides micro-financing and training.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/blogs/opinions/03/16/13/2013-elections-why-bam-aquino-and-grace-poe-are-suddenly|title=2013 elections: Why Bam Aquino and Grace Poe are suddenly up|last=Keh|first=By Harvey S.|website=ABS-CBN News|access-date=2019-07-02}}</ref> After, Aquino was named as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines in the category of Social Enterprise and Community Development. He was also chosen as one of the ] in 2012.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />
In 2009, Bam Aquino reenacted his uncle, ], in the documentary film '']''. The film premiered on August 21, 2009 in commemoration of the ]. It was directed by Jun Reyes.<ref>{{cite web|last=Reyes|first=Paolo R.|title=Ninoy Aquino’s last journey|url=http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view/20090724-217072/Ninoy-Aquinos-last-journey|work=]|accessdate=February 23, 2013|date=July 24, 2009}}</ref>


He was also a Board Member of ], Venture for Fundraising, and the Coca-Cola Foundation.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />
==Awards, involvements, activities, programs attended==


==Senator==
* Panelist, “Changing the Game: Innovating Smartly in Organizations and Systems”; Panelist, “Cracking the Emerging Market Code”
Running under the ] coalition of his cousin, President ], he won in the 2013 elections and placed 7th with 15,388,992 votes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/elections-2013/29521-team-pnoy-win-senate|title=9-3 win for Team PNoy in Senate race|website=Rappler|date=May 18, 2013 |language=en|access-date=2019-07-02}}</ref> As ], Aquino chaired the Committee on Science and Technology from 2016 to 2019. He was also a member of the following committees:
], ], ] (2014)

* Manila 40 Under 40 Global Development Leader, Awarded by Devex (2013)
* Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations (Blue Ribbon)<ref name="www.senate.gov.ph" />
* Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World (2012)
* Committee on Agriculture and Food<ref name="www.senate.gov.ph" />
* Asian Social Entrepreneur of the Year with Mark Ruiz (World Economic Forum, 2011)
* Committee on Banks, Financial Institutions and Currencies<ref name="www.senate.gov.ph" />
* United Nations Project Inspire Grand Prize (The Hapinoy Program, 2011)
* Committee on Civil Service and Government Reorganization<ref name="www.senate.gov.ph" />
* Awarded by ] and The Singapore National Committee for UN Women
* Committee on Cooperatives<ref name="www.senate.gov.ph" />
* Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines (Community Development and Social Enterprise, 2010)
* Committee on Cultural Communities<ref name="www.senate.gov.ph" />
* '']'' Inspiring Young Entrepreneur (2010)
* Committee on Education, Arts and Culture
* Co-Finalist, Ernst and Young (Entrepreneur of the Year 2010)
* Committee on Energy<ref name="www.senate.gov.ph" />
* ] Bossing Co-Awardee (Retail Financing Category, 2010)
* Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
* Committee on Games, Amusement and Sports<ref name="www.senate.gov.ph" />
* Committee on Health and Demography
* Committee on Local Government
* Committee on National Defense and Security
* Committee on Peace, Unification and Reconciliation
* Committee on Public Information and Mass Media<ref name="www.senate.gov.ph" />
* Committee on Rules
* Committee on Science and Technology
* Committee on Social Justice, Welfare, and Rural Development<ref name="www.senate.gov.ph" />
* Committee on Ways and Means
* Senate Electoral Tribunal<ref name=":0">{{cite web|title=Official Website of the Senate of the Philippines |url=http://www.senate.gov.ph |access-date=May 29, 2014 }}</ref>

He was the former chairman of the Committee on Education Culture and Arts from July 2016 until his removal from the position in February 2017 due to his opposition to legislation backed by President ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/876109/lp-members-ousted-from-senate-majority|title=LP members ousted from Senate majority|last=Avendaño|first=Christine O.|website=newsinfo.inquirer.net|date=February 28, 2017 |language=en|access-date=2019-07-02}}</ref> He was chairman of the Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship and Committee on Youth from July 2013 to June 2016.

Aquino passed more than 40 laws during his first five and half years in office.<ref name="www.senate.gov.ph">Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aquino IV. https://www.senate.gov.ph/senators/sen_bio/aquino_bam_bio.asp</ref><ref name="bamaquino.com">Office of Senator Bam Aquino. 2014. http://www.bamaquino.com</ref>
* Republic Act No. 10931, or the ]
* Republic Act No. 10929, or Free Internet Access in Public Space
* Republic Act No. 10693, or Microfinance NGOs Act
* Republic Act No. 10911, or Anti Age-Discrimination Act
* Republic Act No. 10821, or Children's Emergency Relief and Protection Act
* Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA)
* Republic Act No. 10909, or No Shortchanging Act
* Republic Act No. 10644, or the Go Negosyo Act
* Republic Act No. 10642, or the Philippine Lemon Law
* Republic Act No. 10667, or the Philippine Competition Act
* Republic Act No. 10668, or the Foreign Ships Co-Loading Act
* Republic Act No. 10679, or the Youth Entrepreneurship Act
* Republic Act No. 10742, or the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act
* Republic Act No. 10693, or the Microfinance NGOs Act
* Republic Act No. 10744, or the Credit Surety Fund Act of 2014
* Republic Act No. 10756, or the Election Service Reform Act of 2014
* Republic Act No. 10755, or the Act Authorizing the Punong Barangay to Administer the Oath of Office
* Republic Act No. 10844, or the Department of Information and Communication Technology Act of 2015
* Republic Act No. 10754, or the Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disability
* Republic Act No. 10905, or Closed Caption Broadcasting of Television Programs Act
* Republic Act No. 11054, or the Bangsamoro Organic Law
* Republic Act No. 11106, or the Filipino Sign Language Act

Aquino ran for re-election as senator as one of the ] candidates. He failed to win his re-election bid, placing 14th overall with 14,144,923 votes, the highest among any Otso Diretso candidate.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://halalanresults.abs-cbn.com/|title=Halalan 2019 Philippine Election Results|website=ABS-CBN News|language=en|access-date=2019-07-02}}</ref> Aquino was quoted that "There are 14 million people who voted for an Aquino during ]. That's something."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rappler.com//nation/politics/elections/2019/231270-bam-aquino-says-votes-for-an-aquino-under-duterte-term-still-feat|title=14 million votes for an Aquino in time of Duterte still a feat, says Bam|last=Elemia|first=Camille|website=Rappler|date=May 22, 2019 |language=en|access-date=2019-07-02}}</ref> According to his wife, he might return to his social entrepreneurship initiatives after his term ended on June 30, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/22/19/bam-admits-defeat-says-love-for-filipinos-wont-run-out|title=Bam admits defeat, says love for Filipinos won't run out|website=ABS-CBN News|access-date=2019-07-02}}</ref>

==Post-Senate==
], former vice president ], and congresswoman ] in 2024]]
On July 19, 2019, the ]–] (CIDG) filed charges against Aquino and other members of the ] for "sedition, cyber libel, libel, ''estafa'', harboring a criminal, and ]".<ref name="bikoy0719">{{cite news |title=Robredo, ilang taga-oposisyon kinasuhan ng PNP-CIDG ukol sa 'Bikoy' videos |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/07/19/19/robredo-ilang-taga-oposisyon-kinasuhan-ng-pnp-cidg-ukol-sa-bikoy-videos |work=ABS-CBN News |language=tl}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Sedition raps: Solons, bishop hit 'stupid' PNP |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1143908/sedition-raps-solons-bishop-hit-stupid-pnp |access-date=July 20, 2019 |newspaper=]}}</ref> On February 10, 2020, he was cleared of all charges.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/725455/doj-clears-robredo-indicts-trillanes-and-10-others-for-conspiracy-to-commit-sedition/story/ | title=DOJ clears Robredo, indicts Trillanes and 10 others for 'conspiracy to commit sedition' | publisher=] | date=February 10, 2020 | access-date=February 10, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/251397-doj-resolution-conspiracy-commit-sedition-opposition | title=DOJ clears Robredo, charges Trillanes in sedition case | publisher=] | date=February 10, 2020 | access-date=February 10, 2020}}</ref>

=== 2022 elections ===
Aquino initially planned to run for senator in the ]. However, on October 7, 2021, he revealed that Vice President ] had offered him the role of ] for her ] in the ], which she launched earlier that day. Aquino accepted the offer instead to focus on "this essential and daunting challenge."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Marquez |first1=Consuelo |title=Bam Aquino scraps Senate return to become Robredo's campaign manager instead |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/806115/bam-aquino-scraps-reelection-bid-to-become-robredo-s-campaign-manager-instead/story/ |access-date=October 7, 2021 |work=GMA News Online |date=October 7, 2021}}</ref> Robredo would later go on to lose the presidential election to former Senator ], as she placed second in the official tally.

=== Post-2022 elections ===
In 2023, Aquino, who is also an ] gamer, established his gaming content platform known as BAM Gaming.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.spin.ph/esports/former-senator-bam-aquino-establishes-his-gaming-content-platform-a4858-20230503|title=Former Senator Bam Aquino establishes his gaming content platform|first=Carlos|last=Pineda|date=May 3, 2023|accessdate=May 15, 2024|website=Spin.ph}}</ref> In May 2024, he began co-hosting ''Rekta: Agenda ng Masa'', a radio program on ] and ].<ref>{{Cite tweet |author= DZRH NEWS |author-link=DZRH |user=dzrhnews |number=1786634032039731317 |date=May 4, 2024 |title=Mamaya na! "REKTA: AGENDA NG MASA" |script-title= |trans-title= |language=Filipino |retweet= |location= |access-date=May 7, 2024 |link= |url-status= |archive-url= |archive-date= |quote= |ref=}}</ref>

===Departure from the Liberal Party===
In a television interview in 2024, Aquino announced he had already left the ] and became chairman of the ] (KANP). He is contesting a Senate seat in the ].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Valmonte |first1=Kaycee |title=Bam Aquino to lead KANP party, confirms senatorial bid for 2025 polls |url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/bam-aquino-to-lead-political-party-confirms-senate-bid-2025-elections/ |access-date=May 14, 2024 |work=Rappler |date=May 14, 2024}}</ref>

== Personal life ==

He is married to Maria Fatima Gomez. They have two daughters.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/02/15/18/bam-aquino-wife-timi-welcome-second-child-on-valentines-day|title=Bam Aquino, wife Timi welcome second child on Valentine's Day|date=15 February 2018}}</ref>


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist}} {{Reflist}}

{{more footnotes|date=January 2013}}
==External links==
*Arquiza, Yasmin D..''GMA News Online''.(Accessed on October 23, 2012).
* {{Official|http://www.bamaquino.com/}}
*.''rags2riches''.(Accessed on October 23, 2012).
* (Accessed on February 25, 2017)
*Legaspi, Amita..''GMA News Online''.(Accessed on October 23, 2012).
*Sauler, Erika..''Inquirer News''.(Accessed on October 23, 2012). * Arquiza, Yasmin D. . ''GMA News Online''. (Accessed on October 23, 2012)
* Legaspi, Amita. . '']''. (Accessed on October 23, 2012)
* Sauler, Erika. . ''Inquirer News''. (Accessed on October 23, 2012)

{{S-start}}
{{s-off}}
{{s-bef|before=Mabel Villarica Mamba}}
{{s-ttl|title=]|years=2003–2006}}
{{s-aft|after=Richard Alvin Nalupta}}
|-
{{s-ppo}}
{{s-new|first}}
{{s-ttl|title=Chairperson of the ]|years=2024–present}}
{{s-inc}}
{{S-end}}


{{16th Congress of the Philippines senators}} {{16th Congress of the Philippines senators}}


{{Persondata
| NAME = Aquino, Bam
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES = Benigno Bam Aquino, Paolo Benigno Aquino IV
| SHORT DESCRIPTION = Filipino television personality
| DATE OF BIRTH = May 8, 1977
| PLACE OF BIRTH = ]
| DATE OF DEATH =
| PLACE OF DEATH =
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Aquino, Bam}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Aquino, Bam}}
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
]
] ]
]
]

Latest revision as of 05:05, 14 December 2024

Filipino politician and television personality In this Philippine name, the middle name or maternal family name is Aguirre and the surname or paternal family name is Aquino.

This article relies excessively on references to primary sources. Please improve this article by adding secondary or tertiary sources.
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The HonorableBam Aquino
Aquino in 2018
Deputy Senate Minority Leader
In office
February 27, 2017 – June 30, 2019
LeaderFranklin Drilon
Senator of the Philippines
In office
June 30, 2013 – June 30, 2019
Chair of the Senate Science and Technology Committee
In office
July 25, 2016 – June 30, 2019
Preceded byRalph Recto
Succeeded byNancy Binay
Chair of the Senate Education, Arts and Culture Committee
In office
July 25, 2016 – February 27, 2017
Preceded byPia Cayetano
Succeeded byFrancis Escudero
Chair of the Senate Trade and Commerce Committee
In office
July 22, 2013 – June 30, 2016
Preceded byManny Villar
Succeeded byMigz Zubiri (as Chair of the Senate Trade, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship Committee)
Chairman of the National Youth Commission
In office
2003 – February 26, 2006
PresidentGloria Macapagal Arroyo
Preceded byMabel Villarica Mamba
Succeeded byRichard Alvin Nalupta
Commissioner of the National Youth Commission
In office
2001–2003
Personal details
BornPaolo Benigno Aguirre Aquino IV
(1977-05-07) May 7, 1977 (age 47)
Manila, Philippines
Political partyKANP (2024–present)
Other political
affiliations		Liberal (until 2024)
SpouseMary Fatima Gomez
RelationsSee Aquino family
Children2
ResidenceQuezon City
Alma materAteneo de Manila University (BS)
OccupationPolitician, social entrepreneur

Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aguirre Aquino IV (Tagalog pronunciation: [bɛˈnigno ʔaˈɡirɛ ʔaˈkino], born May 7, 1977) is a Filipino politician and social entrepreneur who served as a Senator of the Philippines from 2013 to 2019.

Early life

Further information: Aquino family

Bam Aquino was born on May 7, 1977 in Manila to Paul Aquino, a son of Benigno Aquino Sr., and Melanie (née Aguirre) Aquino.

His grandfather, Benigno Sr., served as a congressman from Tarlac's 2nd district (1919–28), a senator from the 3rd district (1928–34), and Speaker of the National Assembly of the Japanese-puppet state of the Philippines from 1943 to 1944. Benigno Sr. was put on trial for treason after World War II for collaborating with the Japanese, and eventually became the 6th Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines (1943–44).

Under President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.'s regime, his uncle Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., a former senator (1967–72), was exiled in the United States from 1980 until 1983 when he returned to the Philippines and was assassinated at Manila International Airport.

In 1986, Marcos fled into exile and Ninoy's wife, Corazon Aquino, became the first female President of the Philippines. His uncle Butz and aunt Teresa Aquino-Oreta also served as senators. His cousin, Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, was elected the 15th President of the Philippines in 2010, which he served until 2016.

He took Bachelor of Science in Management Engineering at the Ateneo de Manila University and graduated as valedictorian with summa cum laude honors.

Pre-politics activities

Aquino was also one of the hosts of the morning TV show Breakfast, a youth-oriented talk show on Studio 23. In 2006, Aquino hosted the youth-oriented debate show Y Speak, also on Studio 23.

In 2009, Aquino played the role of his uncle Ninoy Aquino, in the documentary film, The Last Journey of Ninoy. The film premiered on August 21, 2009, in commemoration of the 26th anniversary of the assassination of Ninoy.

Before becoming a senator, Aquino became the President of MicroVentures, Inc., a social enterprise company that manages the Hapinoy Program which provides micro-financing and training. After, Aquino was named as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines in the category of Social Enterprise and Community Development. He was also chosen as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World in 2012.

He was also a Board Member of Rags2Riches, Venture for Fundraising, and the Coca-Cola Foundation.

Senator

Running under the Team PNoy coalition of his cousin, President Benigno Aquino III, he won in the 2013 elections and placed 7th with 15,388,992 votes. As Senator, Aquino chaired the Committee on Science and Technology from 2016 to 2019. He was also a member of the following committees:

  • Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations (Blue Ribbon)
  • Committee on Agriculture and Food
  • Committee on Banks, Financial Institutions and Currencies
  • Committee on Civil Service and Government Reorganization
  • Committee on Cooperatives
  • Committee on Cultural Communities
  • Committee on Education, Arts and Culture
  • Committee on Energy
  • Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
  • Committee on Games, Amusement and Sports
  • Committee on Health and Demography
  • Committee on Local Government
  • Committee on National Defense and Security
  • Committee on Peace, Unification and Reconciliation
  • Committee on Public Information and Mass Media
  • Committee on Rules
  • Committee on Science and Technology
  • Committee on Social Justice, Welfare, and Rural Development
  • Committee on Ways and Means
  • Senate Electoral Tribunal

He was the former chairman of the Committee on Education Culture and Arts from July 2016 until his removal from the position in February 2017 due to his opposition to legislation backed by President Rodrigo Duterte. He was chairman of the Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship and Committee on Youth from July 2013 to June 2016.

Aquino passed more than 40 laws during his first five and half years in office.

  • Republic Act No. 10931, or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act
  • Republic Act No. 10929, or Free Internet Access in Public Space
  • Republic Act No. 10693, or Microfinance NGOs Act
  • Republic Act No. 10911, or Anti Age-Discrimination Act
  • Republic Act No. 10821, or Children's Emergency Relief and Protection Act
  • Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA)
  • Republic Act No. 10909, or No Shortchanging Act
  • Republic Act No. 10644, or the Go Negosyo Act
  • Republic Act No. 10642, or the Philippine Lemon Law
  • Republic Act No. 10667, or the Philippine Competition Act
  • Republic Act No. 10668, or the Foreign Ships Co-Loading Act
  • Republic Act No. 10679, or the Youth Entrepreneurship Act
  • Republic Act No. 10742, or the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act
  • Republic Act No. 10693, or the Microfinance NGOs Act
  • Republic Act No. 10744, or the Credit Surety Fund Act of 2014
  • Republic Act No. 10756, or the Election Service Reform Act of 2014
  • Republic Act No. 10755, or the Act Authorizing the Punong Barangay to Administer the Oath of Office
  • Republic Act No. 10844, or the Department of Information and Communication Technology Act of 2015
  • Republic Act No. 10754, or the Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disability
  • Republic Act No. 10905, or Closed Caption Broadcasting of Television Programs Act
  • Republic Act No. 11054, or the Bangsamoro Organic Law
  • Republic Act No. 11106, or the Filipino Sign Language Act

Aquino ran for re-election as senator as one of the Otso Diretso candidates. He failed to win his re-election bid, placing 14th overall with 14,144,923 votes, the highest among any Otso Diretso candidate. Aquino was quoted that "There are 14 million people who voted for an Aquino during the time of Duterte. That's something." According to his wife, he might return to his social entrepreneurship initiatives after his term ended on June 30, 2019.

Post-Senate

Aquino with President Bongbong Marcos, former vice president Leni Robredo, and congresswoman Camille Villar in 2024

On July 19, 2019, the PNP–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) filed charges against Aquino and other members of the opposition for "sedition, cyber libel, libel, estafa, harboring a criminal, and obstruction of justice". On February 10, 2020, he was cleared of all charges.

2022 elections

Aquino initially planned to run for senator in the 2022 Philippine Senate election. However, on October 7, 2021, he revealed that Vice President Leni Robredo had offered him the role of campaign manager for her presidential campaign in the 2022 Philippine presidential election, which she launched earlier that day. Aquino accepted the offer instead to focus on "this essential and daunting challenge." Robredo would later go on to lose the presidential election to former Senator Bongbong Marcos, as she placed second in the official tally.

Post-2022 elections

In 2023, Aquino, who is also an esports gamer, established his gaming content platform known as BAM Gaming. In May 2024, he began co-hosting Rekta: Agenda ng Masa, a radio program on DZRH and DZRH News Television.

Departure from the Liberal Party

In a television interview in 2024, Aquino announced he had already left the Liberal Party and became chairman of the Katipunan ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (KANP). He is contesting a Senate seat in the 2025 elections.

Personal life

He is married to Maria Fatima Gomez. They have two daughters.

References

  1. "Exile Begins". Ninoy Aquino: Fight for Freedom. Ninoy & Cory Aquino Foundation. 2011. Retrieved January 20, 2017.
  2. "The Death of a Hero". Ninoy Aquino: Fight for Freedom. Ninoy & Cory Aquino Foundation. 2011. Retrieved January 20, 2017.
  3. Gutierrez, Natashya (May 10, 2013). "Bam Aquino: What can a 6th Aquino bring to the Senate?". Rappler. Retrieved January 20, 2017.
  4. "Senate of the Philippines - 19th Congress". senate.gov.ph. Archived from the original on May 27, 2024. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  5. Reyes, Paolo R. (July 24, 2009). "Ninoy Aquino's last journey". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved February 23, 2013.
  6. ^ "Official Website of the Senate of the Philippines". Retrieved May 29, 2014.
  7. ^ Keh, By Harvey S. "2013 elections: Why Bam Aquino and Grace Poe are suddenly up". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved July 2, 2019.
  8. "9-3 win for Team PNoy in Senate race". Rappler. May 18, 2013. Retrieved July 2, 2019.
  9. ^ Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aquino IV. https://www.senate.gov.ph/senators/sen_bio/aquino_bam_bio.asp
  10. Avendaño, Christine O. (February 28, 2017). "LP members ousted from Senate majority". newsinfo.inquirer.net. Retrieved July 2, 2019.
  11. Office of Senator Bam Aquino. 2014. http://www.bamaquino.com
  12. "Halalan 2019 Philippine Election Results". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved July 2, 2019.
  13. Elemia, Camille (May 22, 2019). "14 million votes for an Aquino in time of Duterte still a feat, says Bam". Rappler. Retrieved July 2, 2019.
  14. "Bam admits defeat, says love for Filipinos won't run out". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved July 2, 2019.
  15. "Robredo, ilang taga-oposisyon kinasuhan ng PNP-CIDG ukol sa 'Bikoy' videos". ABS-CBN News (in Tagalog).
  16. "Sedition raps: Solons, bishop hit 'stupid' PNP". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved July 20, 2019.
  17. "DOJ clears Robredo, indicts Trillanes and 10 others for 'conspiracy to commit sedition'". GMA News. February 10, 2020. Retrieved February 10, 2020.
  18. "DOJ clears Robredo, charges Trillanes in sedition case". Rappler. February 10, 2020. Retrieved February 10, 2020.
  19. Marquez, Consuelo (October 7, 2021). "Bam Aquino scraps Senate return to become Robredo's campaign manager instead". GMA News Online. Retrieved October 7, 2021.
  20. Pineda, Carlos (May 3, 2023). "Former Senator Bam Aquino establishes his gaming content platform". Spin.ph. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
  21. DZRH NEWS (May 4, 2024). "Mamaya na! "REKTA: AGENDA NG MASA"" (Tweet) (in Filipino). Retrieved May 7, 2024 – via Twitter.
  22. Valmonte, Kaycee (May 14, 2024). "Bam Aquino to lead KANP party, confirms senatorial bid for 2025 polls". Rappler. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  23. "Bam Aquino, wife Timi welcome second child on Valentine's Day". February 15, 2018.

External links

Political offices
Preceded byMabel Villarica Mamba Chairman of the National Youth Commission
2003–2006 		Succeeded byRichard Alvin Nalupta
Party political offices
First Chairperson of the KANP
2024–present 		Incumbent
15th ← Philippines Senators of the 16th Congress of the Philippines (2013–2016) → 17th
Senate President
Franklin Drilon
Senior Senators (2010–2016)Junior Senators (2013–2019)
Term ended June 30, 2016Term ends June 30, 2019
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