He is the biggest surprise of this year’s midterm polls.
Similar to his stunning win in the 2025 Senatorial race, comebacking Senator Bam Aquino made an unpromoted appearance on the digital program ‘Showtime Online U‘ of ABS-CBN.
The returning lawmaker started his guesting on a high note after using the trademark “what’s up, madlang people?” greeting of the show.
He was first asked the lighter questions, such as his favorite ‘It’s Showtime‘ segment, to which he replied ‘Tawag Ng Tanghalan‘ and he found the current dating segment ‘Step In The Name Of Love‘ amusing.
Senator-elect Aquino also candidly answered the query about what he felt with his stellar victory in the midterm polls.
“Medyo overwhelming, ‘no? ‘Di ko talaga ine-expect ‘yung gan’ong kataas na resulta and nakita nga namin ‘yung final result, talagang nakakataba ng puso.“
He also thanked the volunteers and the youth who helped him during the campaign.
The incoming Senator also shared that he will be taking a pause to and unwind in the next few days and spend time with his family before the start of his term on June 30, 2025.
Aquino also took the opportunity to explain the Free Tertiary Education Law that he authored, as it currently faces scrutiny amongst supporters of the previous administration that attempt to discredit him.
“Alam niyo na na-pass natin ‘yung Free College Law n’ong time ng Duterte administration… I was in the minority, meaning hindi ako kasama sa administrasyon. So ‘yun ‘yung example na kung saan nagtulungan ‘yung iba’t ibang grupo para mapasa ‘yung isang batas na napakahalaga.”
He continued, “Ngayon, over 2 administrations, pinopondohan pa rin ito. Pero, para sa akin, mahalaga na mas pondohan pa, mas bigyan pa ng tamang atensyon… para mas maraming kabataan pa ang pwedeng makinabang sa libreng kolehiyo.”
Sen. Bam also highlighted that more reforms are needed in the education sector, spanning the K+12 program, college, and the after-graduation employability of students.
Lastly, he thanked supporters anew for the success of his 2025 campaign.
“Alam niyo po, ginalingan niyo pong masyado talaga ‘tong kampanyang ito. Hindi po namin ine-expect ‘yung gan’tong resulta, pero dahil sobrang tinodo ng mga kabataan… ng supporters natin, talagang nag-reach out tayo sa napakaraming Pilipino, umabot po tayo dito.”
“Promise po namin, hindi po namin sasayangin ang binigay niyo pong mandato sa atin. We will cherish it, we will work hard, at sisiguraduhin po natin na ang lahat ng Pilipino ay kayang umangat at may tsansa dito po sa ating bansa,” Aquino conveyed.
After the live show, Senator-elect Aquino also visited the dressing room and main ‘It’s Showtime‘ set, greeting the hosts led by Vice Ganda and the production staff.
As per the official count of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), Bam Aquino ranks second among the 12 incoming Senators of the 20th Congress with over 20 million votes.