Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, an Asia 21 Young Leaders Fellow from the inaugural class of 2006, successfully won his Senate bid at the recently held mid-term elections in the Philippines. Aquino ran on a platform of education reform, employment opportunities, and good governance which resonated not only with his traditional voter base but also with a broader population, as evidenced by a strong #2 result with over 20 million votes, nationwide.

This result was even more tremendous considering Aquino bucked the trends set by pre-election surveys and pundit predictions, placing him barely outside the winners’ circle, weeks and even days leading up to election day. With his new mandate, Aquino vowed to continue working on the reforms he enacted during his first Senate stint in 2013–2019, towards the improvement of the welfare of the Filipino family.

He is credited for over 50 laws, including laws on financial literacy and entrepreneurship, as well as landmark legislation providing free tertiary education to all students of public universities, colleges, and learning institutions, throughout the country.

“Senator Bam Aquino’s return to the Senate is a powerful reminder of the impact principled, people-centered leadership can have on national progress. As an Asia 21 Fellow, his continued work in education, good governance, and inclusive growth reflects the values we strive to champion. We at Asia Society Philippines are proud of his achievement and look forward to supporting initiatives that advance shared prosperity for all Filipinos,” said Ching Jorge, Asia Society Philippines Center Head and Managing Director.

Asia Society Philippines wholeheartedly congratulates Sen. Bam Aquino on his triumph and stands ready to work with him on issues and initiatives toward a better Philippines.