August 7, 2024–At today’s Kapihan sa Manila Prince Hotel, hosted by Manila Prince Hotel President and former Senator Atty. Jose “Joey” D. Lina, Jr., and Manila Bulletin Publisher, Sonny Coloma, former Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aguirre Aquino IV took the stage as the guest speaker.
The focal point of discussion was the potential for an Aquino-Marcos coalition in the upcoming 2025 Midterm Elections. When asked about his willingness to collaborate with different political affiliations, Aquino responded, “I’m willing to work with any political color or affiliation. I’m open to allegiance with Marcoses and the Dutertes. Mas mahalaga na pagtuunan ng pansin yung kailangan ng tao kaysa sa political differences. Noong naipasa ko yung free college law, I was a minority member, but nakipagtulungan ako sa majority at isinantabi yung anumang political convenience for as long as clear ang intention, sincere at maraming tao ang makikinabang. Ang point of unity is ang taong bayan. Lahat possible, but you have to be ready and not afraid to speak out. My track record says a lot about me. I want to be the game changer. During my tenure, I worked with Senator Marcos for the SK reform and we worked side by side as chairman and vice chairman of the said law because I knew more people will benefit from it. However, let me clarify that there is no talk with either party. All these are hypothetical.”
At the forum, Aquino officially announced his candidacy for the Senate in the 2025 Midterm Elections as an independent candidate. As a staunch advocate for education reform, he emphasized his commitment to ensuring that every student has the right to quality education from K to 12. He aims not only for academic excellence but also for practical employability. By focusing on equipping students with relevant skills, Aquino envisions a future where graduates can secure job offers before they even complete secondary education.
Aquino’s proposal seeks to address a significant gap in the current educational framework. The transition from school to work can be daunting for many Filipinos. However, by prioritizing vocational training, state colleges, and partnerships with industries, he aims to create pathways that facilitate this transition. His vision extends beyond mere educational attainment; it seeks to empower youth with opportunities that lead directly into meaningful employment. This initiative is not just about individual success but about fostering a robust economy driven by a skilled workforce.
Aquino highlighted that the primary issue today is finding jobs for young people. He proposed addressing this by viewing education and employment as a continuum, which should be closely coordinated by schools, industries, and concerned agencies. As a young leader and social entrepreneur, Aquino believes he brings a unique perspective to the Senate. “What we genuinely agree on is that we want what is best for the country,” he stated.
In addition to his focus on education, Aquino recognizes the pressing issues of inflation and corruption in government. He pledges to support initiatives that address these challenges while advocating for transparency and accountability within public institutions. His message to the youth of today is: “I encourage the youth to register to fulfill your civic duty to vote. The youth needs someone they can look up to, someone who can speak up for them. And we need to make a stand. Naghahanap sila ng titindig at lalaban para sa kanila. If I’d be fortunate enough to win, I’d be able to carve off that space for them. Handa akong maging boses ng bansa.”
Aquino also emphasized that his stance on defending national interests in the West Philippine Sea reflects his commitment to sovereignty and responsible governance.
During the forum, Atty. Lina remarked, “The idealist of today is the realist of tomorrow.” As a realist-idealist, Aquino understands that even though some goals may seem beyond reach, it is the daily commitment to seemingly unreasonable ideals that makes them achievable.
About Kapihan sa Manila Prince Hotel:
Kapihan sa Manila Prince Hotel (Kapihan) stands as a distinguished platform for dialogue and progress, organized and hosted by The Manila Hotel’s esteemed president and former Senator, Atty. Jose “Joey” D. Lina, Jr. This weekly forum is designed to engage media members on a diverse array of topics and issues of national interest. It serves as a dynamic meeting ground for government officials, industry experts, journalists, content creators, and community members. Each session of Kapihan features Atty. Lina, alongside Manila Bulletin Publisher Mr. Sonny Coloma, who guide the discussions. A curated panel of guests delves into a specific topic, followed by an interactive segment, where media participants can pose questions. Building on its success, Kapihan has expanded its dialogues to The Manila Hotel’s sister property, and now hosting Kapihan sa Manila Prince once a month. To broaden its reach and facilitate a wider audience engagement, Kapihan is streamed live on Facebook through https://www.facebook.com/Joey.Lina.51.
