SENATOR-ELECT Bam Aquino has vowed to file priority legislation aligned with his campaign promises— focusing on education and employment— on the first day of the 20th Congress.

“Mahalaga na mapondohan ang mga eskuwelahan. Mahalaga na iyong reporma sa edukasyon, sinisimulan. At mahalaga na ang kabataan natin ay makakakuha ng trabahong akma sa kanilang pinag-aralan,” he said.

Aquino made the statement after taking his oath of office on Friday in his hometown of Concepcion, Tarlac. He was sworn in by Concepcion Mayor Noel Villanueva at the Concepcion Municipal Government Center, in a ceremony attended by local officials including Representatives Jaime Cojuangco and Bong Rivera.

He placed second in the 2025 senatorial elections, garnering 20,971,899 votes. He also topped the senatorial race in Tarlac, securing 63% of the provincial vote.

“Noong tumatakbo po tayo, lagi kong sinasabi na noong tinatawag tayong ‘gentleman from Tarlac’ noong panahon natin sa Senado was really a proud moment—and we want to bring that back. Kaya honestly, wala akong ibang naisip na lugar na pwede mag-oath kundi dito sa Concepcion at sa Tarlac,” Aquino said.

He also reaffirmed his commitment to fully fund the Free College Law—which he championed as its principal sponsor in the Senate—and to expand its coverage to benefit more students.