CONCEPCION, Tarlac (May 30, 2025) – Senator-elect Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino officially took his oath of office today at the Alfredo de Leon Convention Hall in the Concepcion Municipal Government Center, marking a heartfelt homecoming in his hometown.
Aquino chose Concepcion, Tarlac, the place where his roots run deep, as the venue for his swearing-in, symbolizing his commitment to serve the Filipino people with the same values instilled in him by his hometown. Concepcion Mayor Noel Villanueva administered the oath in a ceremony attended by prominent local leaders and supporters.
Among the distinguished guests were Tarlac First District Representative Jaime Cojuangco, 3rd District Congressman Noel “Bong” Rivera, and Vice Governor Carlito David. Also present were Board Members Joy Gilbert Lamorena, Harmes Sembrano, Topey delos Reyes, and Tootsie Cruz, along with BM-elects Pearl Pacada and Antonio Villanueva.
San Clemente town mayor Roseller Toledo, Victoria’s Mayor Rex Agustin, Santa Ignacia’s Mayor Nora Modomo and mayor-elect Bong Tan, Bamban’s mayor-elect Joey Salting, Camiling’s Mayor Erlon Agustin nd mayor-elect Joyce Agustin, Moncada’s mayor-elect RB Aquino, La Paz’s Mayor Venus Jordan, Mayantoc’s Mayor Jun Pobre, Gerona’s Mayor Eloy Eclar, and Anao’s Mayor Jappy de Dios.
In his speech, Aquino expressed gratitude to his fellow Tarlaqueños for their unwavering support and pledged to prioritize education, livelihood, and good governance in his new term.
The event was a celebration of local pride, with attendees praising Aquino’s decision to honor his hometown. Mayor Villanueva commended the senator-elect, saying, “Bam has always carried the spirit of Concepcion with him, and we are proud to witness this milestone in his career.”
As Aquino prepares to return to the Senate, his oath-taking in Concepcion serves as a reminder of his deep connection to the province and his commitment to uplifting communities across the nation.
“Yung pangako po natin dito po sa ating lalawigan, kapag may kailangan po ang bawat isang nandito at kahit na wala po dito na mga opisyales natin, ang unang tatawagin ay si Senator Bam Aquino,” the incoming legislator said.
He also said that he has plans to bring development to the province.
“Kapag nakaupo na po tayo, titipunin ko po ulit ang ating governor, ang ating mga kongresista, ang ating mga mayor at bubuuin po natin ang isang plano na siyang magdadala ng kasaganaan at progreso dito po sa ating lalawigan,” Aquino pledged.
Aquino’s Senate comeback bid was an uphill battle from the start. In May 2024, surveys put him in 24th-28th place.
“Kung pangkaraniwang pag-iisip lang po, marahil sasabihin: ‘Sen, baka hindi mo na oras, 24 to 28th ka.’ Pero sa totoo lang po, buung-buo ang ating tiwala — tiwala po sa Diyos, tiwala sa mga kaibigan (at volunteers), at tiwala sa mga kaibigang opisyal ng Tarlac, at tiwala sa ating kabataang Pilipino,” Aquino said.
According to the incoming senator, his stock rose slowly until May 1, 2025, when he was projected to land in the top 12 among senatorial bets.
“Hindi po natin ini-expect ay magiging number 2 po tayo… at yung pinakamatamis, pinakamasaya, pinaka-nakakataba ng puso na numero ay 63% dito po sa Tarlac number 1,” Aquino mused.
Aquino was first elected senator in 2013. He again ran unsuccessfully for a second term in 2019 as part of the opposition slate. His second-place finish in this year’s national and local elections was a surprise to many, considering the six years he was out of the political limelight, and yet garnered 20,971,899 votes.
