Senator Benigno S. Aquino III

Biography | Resume

It is in his bloodline. It is in his heritage. For him, democracy restored must  be enshrined  without fear but with greatest fervor.

Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” C. Aquino III, like second nature is both a fiscalizer, who relentlessly espouses public accountability, and a staunch advocate of liberal democracy.

Proof of   this is his   platform “Bantay Demokrasya: Dugong Bayani:  Pusong Bayani,” a continuance of the legacy of his parents, former Senator and martyr Benigno “Ninoy “ Aquino, Jr. and former President Corazon C. Aquino.

A true working democracy, he says, provides not only political freedoms but a better life for all Filipinos.  A working democracy must be able to provide jobs, education, social  services and equitable economic prosperity for everyone, not just the rich, privileged few.

In 2004, he was stripped of his prestigious post as Deputy House Speaker for Luzon after he joined leaders of the Liberal Party (LP) in calling for the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at the height of the “Hello Garci” scandal.

As Congressman of the 2nd District of Tarlac  from 1998  to  2007,  he held various committee memberships in the Committees on Appropriation, Transportation and Communications, Agriculture, Banks and Financial Intermediaries, People’s Participation, Suffrage and Electoral Reforms, Good Government, Public Order and Security, Inter-Parliamentary Relations and Diplomacy, Energy and Expert Promotion. He was also Vice-Chairman of the House Committee on Civil, Political and Human Rights.

One of his key legislative initiatives was to make  the procurement of the petroleum, oil and lubricants requirements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines transparent by requiring public bidding.

In the Liberal Party, Noynoy held various positions such as Secretary General and Vice President for Luzon. He is now the LP Vice-Chairman.

The defense of democracy nearly cost Noynoy his life.  He was almost killed during the military coup against President Aquino in 1990 when he met retreating rouge soldiers at the front gates of Malacañang. Three of his bodyguards died while he suffered five bullet wounds. A bullet is still embedded in his neck.

A graduate of economics at the Ateneo de Manila University, Noynoy fancies Chinese food and is a shooting and billiards enthusiast.

back to top