Mr Benigno S. Aquino III
Former President
Republic of the Philippines
About The Speaker
Mr Benigno “Noynoy” S. Aquino III is an economist by training and a public official by profession.
He served three terms as Congressman of the Second District of Tarlac before placing sixth in the May 2007 Senatorial elections that earned him a six-year mandate as Senator of the Republic of the Philippines. After winning the 2010 presidential elections, he was sworn into office as the 15th President of the Philippines on 30 June 2010.
He is the only son of former President Corazon C. Aquino and former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” S. Aquino Jr. President Aquino is also currently the Chairman of the Liberal Party.
He graduated from Ateneo de Manila University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Economics.
Consensus Building and Responsive Governance
11 March 2011
No nation or people have viewed ‘people power’ as an end goal, rather as an instrument of last resort.
In the fourth Ho Rih Hwa Leadership in Asia Public Lecture, President Aquino addressed the political change seen by many countries, especially in the light of events that are unfolding in the Middle East and North Africa, which were a fresh demonstration of "people power", making known their economic and political aspirations. He also drew parallels between the Philippines and Singapore governments, citing how, given the traditions, histories and political institutions, the two governments have in common systems and institutions with a "commitment to remain responsive to the people's needs". Mr Aquino also shared about his plans to live up to the high expectations of his government and effect systemic change and deliver outcomes to the people of the Philippines.