Bam Aquino to voters: Look into quality of service, not family popularity

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Senatorial candidate Bam Aquino shrugged off criticisms that he may just be riding on the popularity of his relatives, freedom icons Sen. Benigno Aquino, Jr. and Pres. Cory Aquino, and his cousin, the current president of the republic.

Less than two weeks before the campaign period starts, the young social entrepreneur and public servant urged the people instead to appreciate his uncle and aunt, and his cousin as symbols of inspirations.

“I look up to them not to ride on their deeds but as inspiration. They are inspirations that the people have to take. They are the people to be followed as example. They gave it all for the country,” the young Aquino told newsmen during a visit here on Friday.

At the age of 35, Bam, whose real name Paolo Benigno, urged the people to look into his track record as a public servant and one of the Ten Outstanding Young Persons in 2012, and as a former National Youth Commission chairman.

The young Aquino said he would not be discouraged by the criticism of being a member of  political dynasty, citing that the Aquinos have served well the country and have not been sitting in powers.

“They are the lights to follow,” he said, adding that the people have the choice to scrutinize the backgrounds of every candidates vying for various political positions in the coming May 2013 polls.

He said his uncle and aunt fought for democracy and his cousin, President Benigno Aquino III is battling the scourge of corruption left by the past administration.

“Ngayon, ang hamon ng panahon natin ay labanan ang kahirapan,” the young Aquino said.

He said if he would be given the mandate, his priority would be job creations for the youth, being a management engineer and an entrepreneur himself.