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.
Media Coverage
S'pore-Manila ties: Strong and growing
Philippine President Benigno Aquino will be leaving for home this afternoon after visiting the Botanic Gardens, and giving talks at the Singapore Business Federation and SMU. The Straits Times
Singapore and Philippines can strengthen our bilateral ties: President Nathan
Filipino President Benigno S. Aquino III, who is on a three-day State Visit to Singapore, will visit SMU before he departs today. Lianhe Zaobao
Fresh 'people power' in action in Middle East, North Africa
Delivering the fourth SMU Ho Rih Hwa Leadership in Asia Public Lecture on Friday, Philippine President Benigno Aquino said he thinks Singapore's government can answer in the affirmative and that Philippines is 'on the right track' to reclaim its rightful place in the community of nations. The Business Times
Aquino to open skies for foreign carriers
At the Ho Rih Hwa Leaders in Asia Public Lecture Series where he was Distinguished Guest Speaker at SMU, Mr Aquino talked about the political upheaval that has swept the Arab world and drew lessons for the South-east Asian region. The Straits Times
Aquino hopes more Singaporeans will go to the Philippines to invest
In his visit and lecture at the SMU on Friday, President Aquino stated that his government is focused on economic growth and stability of the government for the betterment of the lives of the people of Philippines. A Filipino student currently studying at SMU asked how he could contribute to his homeland. President Aquino replied that knowledge is power, and that as long as the student continues to have a thirst for knowledge, he will have the necessary education and skill to serve his country meaningfully in future. Lianhe Zaobao