SENATOR Bam Aquino was conferred the degree of Doctor of Education, Honoris Causa by the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) in recognition of his authorship of the landmark Libreng Kolehiyo Law, which has expanded access to higher education for millions of Filipino students.

Aquino received the honorary degree on Wednesday during the PLM Graduation Ceremonies, where he also served as guest of honor and speaker.

“Today, we confer on him our highest honor, Doctor of Education, Honoris Causa. We award this in recognition of Senator Bam’s meritorious contribution to the advancement of education in our country—as a student, as a youth leader, and as a legislator-senator,” said Atty. Edward Serapio, chairman of the PLM Board of Regents.

“Senator Aquino’s public service is marked by a relentless focus on expanding access to quality education and strengthening the systems that sustain it. Notably, he authored and championed the Free Tuition in Higher Education agenda that culminated in the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (Republic Act 10931), from which many of you are beneficiaries,” he added.

Serapio noted that the landmark law stands as a testament to Aquino’s commitment to making higher education accessible to every Filipino who seeks to learn and contribute to society.

This marks the second time Aquino has received an honorary doctorate, having previously been awarded the same Doctor of Education, Honoris Causa distinction by Tarlac State University in 2017.

As principal sponsor of Republic Act No. 10931, Aquino championed the measure during his tenure as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Education in 2017.

Recently, Aquino vowed to continue securing funding for the 3.5 million beneficiaries of the Libreng Kolehiyo Law in SUCs, LUCs, and private higher education institutions under the 2026 national budget.

Currently, around 2.2 million students enrolled in SUCs and LUCs benefit directly from RA 10931, while 1.3 million students in private universities and colleges receive assistance through the Tertiary Education Subsidy and the Tulong Dunong Program under the same law.

In his speech, Aquino reiterated his call to reallocate the ₱260 billion allotted for flood control projects in the 2026 budget toward education, health, and other essential public services.

“Edukasyon, hindi korapsyon. Tanggalin ang pondo sa flood control, ilagay sa classroom. Tanggalin iyong pondo sa flood control, ilagay sa tulong para sa guro. Tanggalin iyong pondo sa flood control, ilagay sa mas maraming scholarship at subsidiya para sa mga kabataan natin,” he emphasized.