Why Benigno S. Aquino III and not Benigno C. Aquino?

Why Benigno S. Aquino III is the name printed in our Philippine peso bill and not Benigno C. Aquino?

When Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas launched the new look of our Philippine peso bills, many were amazed by the redesigned banknote features. The heroes and past presidents of the Philippines were presented in younger images. Many of the most famous tourist spots in the Philippines were also added, which can also help in boosting tourism in our country. Also, BSP added more security features making it hard for bad elements to come up with fake bills. 

When these new bills were finally released, admit it or not, we all want to have it. I'm pretty sure when your first new twenty peso bill was finally in your hands, it rested in your wallet for a long time. It's nice to look at the new designs and features of the bill. However, I don't know if any of you noticed that the name of PNoy indicated in the new peso bill is Benigno S. Aquino III. Well, we can consider the Aquinos as one of the most well known family in the Philippines. Ninoy is our hero, Cory is the first ever female president, Noynoy is our bachelor president. Lastly, tell me... do you know anyone who doesn't know who Kris Aquino is (and her famous son.. Bimbi)? Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that we all know that Cojuangco is their middle name. So, why Benigno S. Aquino III and not Benigno C. Aquino?

The answer is simple, tradition.

Ninoy’s Father, Ninoy and Noynoy are all named Benigno Simeon.

The President's grandfather Benigno Simeon Aquino Sr. used Simeon as his middle name instead of Quiambao. Likewise, the president’s father Senator  Ninoy also go by the name Benigno S. Aquino Jr. The president uses S instead of C to follow the tradition. If he uses Benigno C. Aquino, he is the only Benigno C. Aquino in the family. The suffix III will no longer be needed to differentiate his name from his father and grandfather. The option is either Benigno C. Aquino or Benigno S. Aquino III. Obviously, the president prefers the latter. This practice is common in the U.S. where they used their second name as their middle name instead of their mother’s maiden name.

What I find admirable in my research is to find out that although our President may took pride of his name, he humbly directed all government agencies “to refrain from associating the President’s personality and identity in their programs and projects.”

Amazing, isn’t it?