Former senator Bam Aquino declared on Tuesday his readiness to return to the political arena as the 2025 midterm elections approach. Aquino, who served from 2013 to 2019 but was not re-elected in the 2019 polls, refrained from running in the 2022 elections and instead took on the role of campaign manager for then-presidential candidate Leni Robredo.
“Naghahanda na kami at handa na rin akong bumalik sa larangan ng politika. Handa akong maging boses ng walang boses sa Senado,” Aquino expressed during an interview with ANC.
Aquino cited unresolved issues such as the rising cost of living, stagnant wages, and the educational crisis as his reasons for returning. “They are very complicated issues, hindi sila madadaling i-resolve, marami kang kailangang banggain para makamit mo ‘yung mga kailangan mong makamit para sa taumbayan,” he explained.
“At kailangan natin ng mga tao na handang magtrabaho, handang panindigan yung mga walang boses handang bumangga kung kailangang bumangga. And I’d like to think kaya natin ‘yan,” Aquino added, emphasizing the need for proactive and courageous leadership.
In addition to his comeback, Aquino has taken up the chairmanship of the Katipunan ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (KANP), which he described as the country’s “youngest political party.” KANP aims to serve as a fresh alternative for Filipinos disillusioned with traditional political figures.
“As we enter another pivotal chapter in our country’s political history, KANP will present itself as a viable alternative for Filipinos weary of traditional politics and politicians,” said Aquino. The party, which was conceptualized in preparation for Robredo’s presidential campaign, is gearing up to endorse candidates and form alliances reflective of its principles for the upcoming elections.