MANILA — Former Senator Bam Aquino has pledged to restore and increase funding for critical sectors such as education, health, and social services if he secures a seat in the 2025 senatorial race. Aquino, dismayed by recent budget cuts to these vital areas, expressed his commitment during an interview on ABS-CBN’s Harapan 2025.

“Hindi ko matanggap na bumaba iyong budget ng mga ito. If given a chance, uunahin talaga natin iyong budget. Itong nakaraang budget, ang hirap talagang tanggapin na mayroong cuts sa edukasyon, sa kalusugan, at sa DSWD, pati na sa computerization program ng DepEd,” Aquino said.

The former senator highlighted his frustration over a P3-billion budget cut to the Free College Law, a program he championed during his tenure as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Education. Aquino vowed to not only restore the funding but also expand the program to benefit more Filipino youth.

“Titiyakin nating lumalawak ang programa, mas maraming kabataan ang nakikinabang dito at nagkakaroon ng quality education upang makakuha sila ng siguradong trabaho na puwede nilang ipagmalaki. Iyong maganda ang sahod na makakatulong sa kanila at sa kanilang pamilya,” he emphasized.

In addition to his plans for education, Aquino also tackled pressing economic issues, particularly the high cost of goods. He pointed to corruption and cartels as key contributors to soaring prices, stressing the need for government intervention.

“Kung pinag-uusapan ng kataasan ng presyo ng bilihin, ang unang dapat gawin ay tugisin iyong corruption sa importation at sa ports at tuldukan ang mga kartel na nagkokontrol ng presyo ng pagkain natin,” Aquino said.

According to him, eliminating corruption in the country’s ports could reduce the prices of goods by 10 to 20 percent.

Aquino’s campaign platform focuses on reforms to improve the welfare of Filipino families through adequate funding for essential services and measures to curb corruption and market manipulation. His message resonates strongly with voters seeking solutions to economic and social challenges.

📷 Bam Aquino Campaign Team