Senate needs young blood like Bam Aquino

Sen. Ralph G. Recto yesterday welcomed the addition of presidential cousin, Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aquino IV, to next year's senatorial elections even as he said that the Liberal Party (LP) and the Senate badly need a fresh infusion of young bloods.

"He's a welcome development, not only for the administration party but for the Senate as well. Bam will provide a new perspective," Recto, an LP stalwart, said.

Recto said he knew Bam since he was a kid and is aware of his accomplishments as a youth leader and an entrepreneur holding positions inside and outside government.

"The LP is like an old Mercedes Benz that needs a fresh detailing to give it a classic but youthful glow. The LP must welcome and even embrace the entry of a new face like Bam," he said.

Recto said he would be willing to nominate Bam to be one of the official senatorial candidates of the ruling party.

"If the President is having second thoughts (nominating him) because he's a close relative, I'm willing to nominate him in the LP," Recto, who is LP Vice-President for Internal Affairs, said.

"I look forward to campaigning with him and also hopeful that I would work with him eventually in the Senate," Recto added.

Bam Aquino has confirmed over-the-weekend that he was joining the Senate race with the "blessing" of President Aquino.

Bam's father is Paul Aquino, youngest brother of the assassinated former Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. and campaign strategist of the late President Corazon Aquino in the 1985 snap election and in the 1987 mid-year elections.

Bam, 35 years old, is the nephew of former Senators Agapito "Butz" Aquino and Tessie Aquino-Oreta.