2010 Presidentiables

It is in his bloodline. It is his heritage.

For Senator Benigno “Noynoy” S. Aquino III, democracy restored must be defended without fear and guarded with greatest fervor.

However, while he is a staunch advocate of liberal democracy, he is also a fiscalizer who relentlessly espouses public accountability.

His key legislative initiatives are anchored on the protection of human rights and good governance through increased transparency and public accountability. These are founded on the democratic ideals championed by his parents, former Senator and martyr Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr. and former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino.

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

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 rogue 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.

Noynoy served as Congressman of the 2nd District of Tarlac from 1998 to 2007. 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.

In May 2007, he ran for Senator and won, placing 6th in the national elections.

As a Senator in the 14th Congress, he chairs the Senate Committee on Local Government.

In the Liberal Party, Senator Aquino held various positions such as Secretary General and Vice Chairman. He is now Party’s Executive Vice President.

Noynoy is a graduate of Economics at the Ateneo de Manila University. He fancies Chinese food and is a shooting and billiards enthusiast.

http://www.noynoy.ph/aboutus.html