Bam: Aquino family 'not a dynasty'

MANILA, Philippines - Amid criticisms against political dynasties reemerging in the upcoming elections, senatorial hopeful and President Benigno Aquino III's cousin Bam Aquino refused to include his family under the category.

"If you look at a dynasty as a family na may vested interest, na may pinuprotektahang teritoryo, sa palagay ko naman, hindi kami dinastiya in that sense," Aquino told Philstar.com on Thursday after a press conference endorsing his candidacy.

Aquino, a social entrepreneur by profession, urged the public to consider the achievements of members of the Aquino-Cojuangco clan in government.

"Isa kaming pamilya na maraming miyembro na nasa public service, so I'm proud of my relatives' track record and I hope na magaya ko 'yon, that I follow in their footsteps and become somebody na manunungkulan ng tapat at ibibigay ang lahat sa taong bayam," Aquino added.

He also said he will try to continue what his famous predecessors, which include former President Corazon Aquino and former Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, did for the country if he lands a seat in Senate.

"Mahirap talagang mag-generalize sa mga politiko, so I can only speak for myself, for Tito Ninoy and Tita Cory are my inspiration until now," Aquino said.

Aquino also admitted that his campaign banner is similar with President Aquino's "matuwid na daan."

A Liberal Party candidate, Aquino recently earned the endorsement of not only the country's President, but also of outgoing Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan and actor Dingdong Dantes.

He vowed to work on the plight of small businesses and hopes to push for reforms to make it easier for micro-enterprises to exist and thrive in the market.

Dantes, who says he represents the youth, told the media in a press conference on Thursday that Aquino has their full support.