SENATOR Paolo Benigno ‘Bam’ Aquino IV, the principal author of the landmark Free College Law, was awarded the Doctor of Education, Honoris Causa, by the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) last Wednesday.
The recognition highlights Aquino’s steadfast dedication to expanding access to higher education for millions of Filipinos — a commitment the university described as pivotal to national progress.
Aquino served as both guest of honor and commencement speaker during PLM’s graduation ceremonies. In his remarks, Atty. Edward Serapio, chairman of the PLM Board of Regents, said the honorary degree affirms Aquino’s lifelong advocacy for education.
“Today we confer on him our highest honor, Doctor of Education, Honoris Causa. We award this in recognition of Sen. Bam’s meritorious contribution to the advancement of education in our country as a student, as a youth leader, as a legislator senator,” Serapio said.
As Senate education chair in 2017, Aquino championed Republic Act No. 10931, also known as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.
The measure now supports an estimated 3.5 million students — about 2.2 million in state and local universities and colleges benefiting from tuition-free education, and another 1.3 million in private schools receiving aid through the Tertiary Education Subsidy and Tulong Dunong Program.
In his address, Aquino reaffirmed his commitment to securing funds for all Free College Law beneficiaries in the 2026 national budget and urged the government to ensure public money is directed toward essential services.
“Tutukan niyo rin po ang nangyayari sa Senado at sa Kongreso. Para ito pong 2026 budget, masigurado natin na ang pera ng bayan, napupunta po sa taumbayan. Ang pera ng bayan, napupunta sa edukasyon, sa kalusugan, sa serbisyo, sa taumbayan, sa tama, at hindi po nabubulsa ng iilan,” he said.
