Aquilino Pimentel III, Filipino lawyer and politician

Aquilino Martin de la Llana Pimentel III, popularly known as Koko Pimentel, is a prominent Filipino politician and a distinguished lawyer who has carved out a significant career in the legislative branch of the Philippine government. Born on January 20, 1964, Pimentel currently serves as a highly influential Senator of the Philippines, carrying forward a powerful political legacy.

A scion of a deeply rooted political family, Koko Pimentel's journey began with a strong academic foundation. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Ateneo de Manila University in 1985, a testament to his analytical prowess. He then pursued his legal education at the prestigious University of the Philippines College of Law, graduating in 1990. Demonstrating his intellectual acumen, Pimentel notably topped the Philippine Bar Examinations in 1990, securing the first place.

A Distinguished Career in the Philippine Senate

Koko Pimentel's political career is marked by significant milestones and a commitment to public service, echoing the principles championed by his esteemed father. His tenure in the Philippine Senate has seen him hold one of the most powerful positions in the legislative branch.

The 28th Senate President of the Philippines

From 2016 to 2018, Senator Pimentel held the esteemed position of the 28th Senate President of the Philippines. As the leader of the Upper House, he presided over legislative sessions, managed the Senate's agenda, and played a crucial role in steering the direction of national policy. His term as Senate President was pivotal, coinciding with significant policy discussions and legislative reforms under the Duterte administration. The Senate President is the third highest official in the land, following only the President and the Vice President, underscoring the immense responsibility and influence associated with the role.

National Chairman of PDP–Laban

Beyond his legislative duties, Koko Pimentel holds a critical leadership role within one of the Philippines' most influential political parties. He currently serves as the National Chairman of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP–Laban). This party, co-founded by his father, Aquilino Pimentel Jr., emerged as a formidable force during the struggle against authoritarian rule. PDP–Laban advocates for federalism, social justice, and economic nationalism. As National Chairman, Pimentel plays a pivotal role in shaping the party's platform, guiding its strategic direction, and overseeing its nationwide operations, particularly in electoral campaigns and policy advocacy.

A Legacy of Public Service: The Pimentel Name in Philippine Politics

The name Pimentel is synonymous with dedicated public service and a strong stance against oppression in the Philippines. Koko Pimentel is the eldest son and third child of the revered former Senate President Aquilino "Nene" Pimentel Jr. (1933–2019). Nene Pimentel was a towering figure in Philippine democracy, recognized as a human rights lawyer, a staunch anti-dictatorship advocate, and the principal author of the landmark Local Government Code of 1991, which devolved significant powers to local government units, fostering greater autonomy and local development. This legislative achievement profoundly reshaped governance in the Philippines.

In a historic first for Philippine politics, Koko Pimentel holds the unique distinction of being the first child of a previous Senate President to also hold the same high office. This generational achievement underscores the Pimentel family's enduring influence and commitment to legislative leadership and national service.

The Long Road to the Senate: A Landmark Electoral Protest

One of the most defining chapters in Koko Pimentel's political career involves the prolonged and highly contentious electoral protest following the 2007 Philippine senatorial elections. Despite running a strong campaign, Pimentel was initially declared the 13th placer, narrowly missing a Senate seat. Convinced of widespread fraud, he immediately filed an electoral protest against the proclaimed 12th placer, Juan Miguel Zubiri.

This protest, meticulously fought before the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET), became one of the longest and most significant in Philippine electoral history, spanning over four years. Pimentel’s legal team presented substantial evidence of electoral anomalies, including significant irregularities in vote counts and allegations of "garci boys" and "dagdag-bawas" (vote padding and shaving). After a painstaking recount and deliberation process, the SET ultimately ruled in favor of Pimentel. On August 11, 2011, the Tribunal issued a resolution nullifying Zubiri's proclamation and declaring Pimentel the legitimate 12th winning senator in the 2007 polls. Consequently, Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III was officially sworn into office as a Senator of the Philippines on August 12, 2011, finally taking his rightful seat more than four years after the elections.

Public Scrutiny and the COVID-19 Quarantine Protocol Breach

In a moment that drew widespread public condemnation and ignited a national debate on accountability, Koko Pimentel became one of the first high-ranking public officials in the Philippines to face severe backlash for breaching strict COVID-19 quarantine protocols during the early days of the pandemic. In March 2020, at a critical time when the country was under an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and grappling with a surge in coronavirus cases, Pimentel accompanied his pregnant wife, Kathryna, to Makati Medical Center for her scheduled delivery, despite reportedly experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 himself and undergoing testing. He later tested positive for the virus.

This incident sparked outrage among the public and medical community, who condemned his actions as a blatant disregard for established health protocols designed to prevent virus transmission. The hospital itself issued a strongly worded statement denouncing the breach and expressing concern over the potential exposure of its healthcare workers and other patients. While Pimentel publicly apologized for the incident, citing it as an "honest mistake" due to stress and concern for his wife, the controversy highlighted the importance of strict adherence to health guidelines, regardless of one's public standing.

Frequently Asked Questions about Koko Pimentel

When was Koko Pimentel born?

Aquilino Martin de la Llana Pimentel III was born on January 20, 1964.

What is Koko Pimentel's current role?

He is currently serving as a Senator of the Philippines.

Was Koko Pimentel ever Senate President?

Yes, he served as the 28th Senate President of the Philippines from 2016 to 2018.

What is PDP–Laban?

Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP–Laban) is a major political party in the Philippines, co-founded by Koko Pimentel's father. Koko Pimentel currently serves as its National Chairman.

Why was there a delay in Koko Pimentel's 2007 Senate proclamation?

His proclamation as the 12th winning senator in the 2007 elections was delayed by over four years due to a protracted and successful electoral protest he filed before the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) against the initially proclaimed 12th placer, Juan Miguel Zubiri.

What was the controversy involving Koko Pimentel during the COVID-19 pandemic?

He drew criticism in March 2020 for breaching COVID-19 quarantine protocols by accompanying his pregnant wife to a hospital while reportedly symptomatic and awaiting test results, which later confirmed he was positive for the virus.