Bam Aquino asserts theirs is an independent slate, not opposition

In their bid for a Senate comeback, former senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan are now running as independents, officially dropping the opposition tag that has been linked to their names since the previous administration.

Senatorial aspirant Bam Aquino speaks to the media during the first day of the campaign period. (Raymund Antonio/MANILA BULLETIN)

In an interview after attending the Mass at the University of the Philippines-Diliman Chapel on Tuesday, Feb. 11, Aquino explained their decision to run as independents.
 

“I’ve always said we’re an independent slate. Palagay ko ‘yung pagbabansag ay mula sa media. Pero kami naman, klaro na independent ang aming pagtakbo (I think the term [opposition] came from the media. For us, it is clear that we are running as independents),” he said.
 

“May dalawang malaking grupo na nag-uumpogan ngayon at kami naman po ni Senator Kiko, klaro na ang pinapanigan namin ‘yung taong bayan (There are two groups butting heads right now and me and Senator Kiko, it’s clear that we’re taking the side of the Filipino people),” he added.
 

Aquino served as senator for one term, while Pangilinan served for three terms.
 

He confirmed that he and Pangilinan are running as independent candidates despite their affiliations with political parties—Pangilinan with the Liberal Party and him with the Katipunan ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino.
 

“Right now, dalawa lang naman kaming magkasama. Although marami ring mga ibang independent candidates nagre-reach out at nagsasabi na magandang magsama-sama rin (Right now, there’s only the two of us. Although a lot of other independent candidates are reaching out and asking us to join forces),” he shared.
 

Recognizing that there are administration bets, as well as the candidates backed by former president Rodrigo Duterte, Aquino said he sees himself and Pangilinan as alternatives.
 

“Para maganda po dito, may choice talaga ‘yung taong bayan natin. Marami silang pwedeng pagpilian (What’s good here, the people have a choice. They have a lot of candidates to choose from),” he added.
 

The duo held their proclamation rally on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at the Dasmariñas Arena in Dasmariñas City, Cavite backed by former vice president Leni Robredo.
 

Though they have yet to breach the Magic 12 in pre-election surveys, Aquino believed that the “People’s Campaign,” which was driven by volunteerism during Robredo’s 2022 presidential campaign, will push their numbers higher.