Bam Aquino, hinimok mga hosts ng “Showtime Online U” na singilin siya sa kanyang mga pangako

– Bam Aquino, in an episode of “Showtime Online U” where he was a guest, urged the hosts and the public to hold elected officials accountable for their promises made during the campaign

– The senator-elect called for active citizen engagement, emphasizing that voters should demand fulfillment of campaign pledges beyond election periods

– Senator-elect Bam emphasized the importance of sustained communication between leaders and citizens, advocating for a democracy where the public is actively involved in governance

– In the comments section, netizens express both support for his call to accountability and skepticism based on past experiences with politicians failing to deliver on promises

Senator-elect Bam Aquino, during a recent appearance on the online program “Showtime Online U,” urged the show’s young hosts and the broader public to actively hold elected officials accountable for their campaign promises.

Emphasizing the need for continuous dialogue and engagement beyond election periods, Sen. Bam stressed the importance of a functioning democracy where citizens actively participate in governance.

Sen. Bam began by directly addressing the show’s hosts, referencing a previous conversation.

“Naalala mo yung sinabi ko nung last time tayo nagkita ‘di ba?he asked. “‘Pag nanalo na tayo, sisingilin niyo ko. Lahat ng mga pangako, lahat ng mga sinabi kong gagawing programa, lahat ng mga issue na ipaglalaban, kailangan po, sinisingil natin yung mga taong binoboto natin. Kaya singilin niyo ko diyan.”

He then extended this challenge to the wider audience, advocating for a sustained level of civic engagement. “And kailangan, tuloy-tuloy yung pag-uusap,” Sen. Bam stated. “And kailangan, tuloy-tuloy po ito. Kasi yung mga nangyayari sa bansa, hindi dapat na election time lang tayo aktibo. Kailangan, active tayo every day.”

The senator-elect also articulated his vision of a vibrant democracy characterized by active citizen participation and open communication.

“Yan ang functioning democracy na gusto natin,” he explained. “Aktibo tayo, nakikipag-balitaktakan sa mga leader natin, sinisingil natin, at kapag may maganda, purihin naman natin. Pero kapag may sablay, i-call out natin.”

The senator-elect’s call for accountability resonates with a growing public sentiment that elected officials should prioritize their campaign promises and maintain transparency throughout their terms.

Discussions on social media platforms and online forums often highlight the need for continuous citizen engagement and vigilance.

Reactions to Sen. Bam’s statements on “Showtime Online U” have been varied. Some netizens have praised his commitment to accountability and expressed their intention to hold him and other elected officials to their promises.

Others have voiced skepticism, citing past instances where politicians failed to fulfill their campaign pledges. Some online commenters have emphasized the importance of voters staying informed and actively participating in civic discourse.

The senator-elect’s message aligns with the principles of participatory democracy, where citizens play an active role in shaping public policy and holding their leaders responsible.

This approach underscores the importance of transparency, accountability, and responsiveness in governance.

As Sen. Bam prepares to assume his senatorial duties, his call for continuous engagement serves as a reminder of the crucial role citizens play in maintaining a healthy democracy.

The public’s response to his challenge will likely shape the dynamics between elected officials and their constituents in the coming years.

Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aguirre Aquino IV is a Filipino politician who served as senator from 2013 to 2019. He was born on May 7, 1977. Prior to joining politics, Sen. Bam served as the chairman of the National Youth Commission from 2003 to 2006 under then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. He is a member of the Katipunan ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino or KANP and served as the Deputy Senate Minority Leader from 2017 to 2019. He won the 2025 elections as senator and will be part of the 20th Congress of the Philippines.

Recently, Sen. Bam expressed delight at how many young voters campaigned for him in the 2025 elections. In an ABS-CBN News report, he recounted how there were parents who came up to him, telling him that their kids campaigned for Bam. He also said that the campaign shows that if people will move, they can change the political landscape of the country. In the comments, netizens also expressed their delight in the results.

During election day, the now-senator-elect joined the long queue of regular voters on election day, Monday, May 12, 2025. He was seen patiently waiting in line with nearly a hundred other voters at his Tarlac polling precinct, which for some is a display of humility and adherence to democratic processes. His act garnered significant attention, with numerous users expressing admiration and support, emphasizing his simplicity and respect for the law. Online comments revealed a strong public desire for leaders who are seen as relatable and respectful of the democratic process, with many expressing hopes for Aquino’s electoral success.