Manila, Philippines — Senator-elect Bam Aquino has yet to formally assume office, but online attacks against the returning lawmaker have already begun, with suspected troll accounts attempting to discredit his legislative track record—particularly his involvement in the landmark “Free College Education” law.
In the days following the release of the official results of the 2025 midterm elections, several anonymous and suspected troll accounts on social media have circulated claims giving sole credit for the law to either former President Rodrigo Duterte or now-Finance Secretary and former Senator Ralph Recto.
While Recto served as the principal author of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, Aquino was its principal sponsor and co-author in the Senate. The measure was signed into law by Duterte in 2017.
According to political analysts, the disinformation campaign may be politically motivated, as Aquino is perceived to be a rising contender in the 2028 presidential race, buoyed by his strong showing in the 2025 Senate elections.
“This early online discrediting signals that Aquino may already be viewed as a serious threat by certain political factions, particularly those aligned with the Dutertes,” one analyst noted.
As of writing, Aquino has not issued a statement regarding the renewed attacks against him.
Observers expect the narrative battle over Aquino’s achievements to intensify as the political landscape begins to shift toward the 2028 national elections.