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Beneficiaries of Sen. Bam’s reforms celebrate his filing for Senate candidacy

Over 250 supporters of Sen. Bam Aquino flocked to Intramuros to celebrate his accomplishments and express full support behind his bid for a second term in the 2019 elections.

Among those who expressed backing for Sen. Bam’s candidacy were Vincent Penaflor and Giovani Valdez, who are currently enjoying free tuition and miscellaneous fees in their respective colleges thanks to the law pushed by Sen. Bam as principal sponsor in the Senate

“Ni piso wala na ako ang babayarang tuition fee na aabot dapat sa P13,000 dahil sa batas na libreng kolehiyo ni Sen. Bam. Kaya ngayon ako naman ang tutulong sa kanya na makabalik sa Senado,” said Penaflor, a student of Batangas State University, during a short program while the senator was filing his certificate of candidacy.

“Sa halip na ipambayad ko ang P6,000 sa tuition and miscellaneous, ilalaan ko na lang iyon para sa pang-araw-araw na gastusin sa eskuwelahan at pamilya,” said Valdez, a student of Northern Luzon Philippine State College.

Amid cheers from fellow supporters, others shared their personal stories of how Sen. Bam helped change their lives through his work and over 30 of his laws.

Mary Jane Enciso, a beneficiary of Sen. Bam’s Hapinoy Program from Camarines Sur, said she received free business training in 2009 on how to start her own sari-sari store.

“Sa tulong ni Sen. Bam, dati nakatira lang ako sa paanan ng bundok. Ngayon, mayroon na akong sariling kabuhayan,” said Enciso.

Aside from supporters, Sen. Bam’s family was also in full force, led by his wife Timi and her daughters Rory and Coco. 

After the filing, Sen. Bam thanked his family, friends and supporters who joined him in the beginning of his next chapter as public servant.

Knowing that it will be an uphill climb, Sen. Bam said good fights need to be fought, no matter the risk and high costs.

Sen. Bam: Excise tax suspension is a win for Filipinos, illustrates value of independent voice

The government’s plan to remove the excise tax on petroleum products in January 2019 is a win for Filipinos and an indication of the importance of having an independent voice in government, according to Sen. Bam Aquino. 

“Panalo ang pamilyang Pilipino sa pagsuspindi ng dagdag buwis sa gasolina, diesel at iba pang produktong petrolyo sa Enero,” said Sen. Bam, who has been pushing for the suspension of excise tax since May 2018. 

“Patunay din ito sa halaga ng pagkakaroon ng magkakaibang boses sa gobyerno – pati na ang minorya o oposisyon. Mahalagang pakinggan ang iba’t ibang panig na mayroong solusyon sa problema ng bayan,” added Sen. Bam, referring to his call for suspension and rollback of the TRAIN Law despite the hardline defense of the administration’s economic managers. 

Sen. Bam stressed that there’s more to be done as he reiterated his push to rollback the excise tax on fuel under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law to December 31, 2017 rates. 

“Magandang unang hakbang ito. Pero kailangan nang aksyunan ang Step 2 – tuluyan na nating alisin ang buong excise tax sa petrolyo na pinataw ng TRAIN Law. Ipasa na ang Bawas Presyo sa Petrolyo Bill at joint resolusyon ng Minority Bloc,” stressed Sen. Bam, one of four senators who voted against the ratification of the government’s tax reform program. 

On May 10, 2018, Sen. Bam filed Senate Bill No. 1798 or the Bawas Presyo sa Petrolyo Bill, seeking to suspend the collection of excise tax on fuel once inflation rate breaches the annual inflation target over a three-month period. 

Sen. Bam’s measure also seeks to rollback the excise tax on petroleum products to December 31, 2017 levels or before the TRAIN Law was implemented. 

In addition, Sen. Bam and other minority senators — Minority Floor Leader Franklin Drilon and Sens. Francis Pangilinan, Risa Hontiveros, Antonio Trillanes and Leila de Lima — submitted Senate Joint Resolution No. 15 seeking to suspend the excise tax under the TRAIN Law and mandate the rollback of levy on fuel to December 31, 2017 rates. 

In their resolution, the minority senators urged their fellow lawmakers to support their initiative to alleviate the plight of Filipinos, especially the poor. 

“Magtulungan na tayo’t magtrabaho para lutasin ang krisis sa presyo at bigyan ng ginhawa ang mga kababayan nating nalulunod sa gastos,” said Sen. Bam, who also delivered three privilege speeches on the negative effects of TRAIN Law and excise tax on fuel.

Sen. Bam: January excise tax suspension is small victory against price crisis, a win for Filipinos

Panalo ang pamilyang Pilipino sa pagsuspindi ng dagdag buwis sa gasolina, diesel at iba pang produktong petrolyo sa Enero. 
 
Ituloy natin ang pagtutulungan at pagtrabaho sa mga solusyon sa krisis na ito para sa mga kababayan nating nalulunod sa matinding pagtaas ng presyo. 
 
Magandang unang hakbang ito sa ating hangaring tuluyang alisin ang buong excise tax sa petrolyo na pinataw ng TRAIN Law.

Sen. Bam, pasok sa Magic 12!

Re-electionist Sen. Bam Aquino made it to the top 12 of the Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey in time for the filing of certificate of candidacy for the 2019 elections.

The September 15-23 SWS survey, commissioned by a certain Alde Pagulayan, deputy secretary general of Lakas-CMD, showed that Sen. Bam is tied for 10th to 12th spots with 22 percent. SWS reportedly used face-to-face interviews of 1,500 adults (18 years old and above) nationwide.

 “Lubos ang pasasalamat natin sa mga patuloy na sumusuporta sa atin. Asahan niyong lubos din ang aking pagtrabaho para tulungan kayo,” said Sen. Bam.

“Laban lang! Basta sama-sama tayo’t nagtutulungan, naniniwala akong marami pa tayong magagawa sa Senado para sa kapwa nating Pilipino,” added Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam has over 30 laws to his name, including the landmark free college law that provides free education to Filipinos in state universities and colleges, local universities and colleges and TESDA-run technical-vocational institutions.

Sen. Bam’s first law, the Go Negosyo Act, resulted in the establishment of over 900 Negosyo Centers, which cater to the needs of Filipinos who want to start or expand their own business.

 Currently, Sen. Bam is pushing for the passage of the Senate Bill No. 1798 or the Bawas Presyo sa Petrolyo Bill in an effort to lower prices of petroleum products, which in turn would lead to lower prices of food and other goods.

 Filed last May 10, 2018, the Bawas Presyo sa Petrolyo Bill seeks to suspend the collection of excise tax on fuel once inflation rate breaches the annual inflation target over a three-month period.

Sen. Bam pursigidong magtrabaho kahit target ng fake news

Even with the upsurge of fake quotes and disinformation against Sen. Bam Aquino, the senator remains unfazed and continues to work on reforms to uplift Filipino families. 

“Hindi naman nawawala ang fake news sa akin, at titindi pa ang pagbaha ng paninira ngayong palapit na ang halalan. Ngunit may mga mas mahalgang isyu ang mga Pilipino na kailangan pang solusyunan, tulad ng matinding pagtaas ng presyo ng bilihin,” said Sen. Bam, who filed the Bawas Presyo sa Petrolyo bill as early as May this year. 

“Gusto ko lang magtrabaho at magsulong ng mga reporma na makakatulong sa pamilyang Pilipino,” added Sen. Bam, who has already passed 27 laws in his first term as senator, including the law granting free college education to which he is principal sponsor. 

Recently, several Facebook groups have posted fake quotes and misinformation about Sen. Bam. The fake quotes were designed to deceive the public as they were placed beside logos of legitimate news organizations. These legitimate news organizations have already called out the quotes and photos as fake. 

“Baka sa 80 percent na fake news na nakikita ng mga Pilipino, malaki ang porsyento diyan tungkol sa akin,” the senator joked.

“Maging mapagbantay tayo sa pekeng balita at paglilinlang sa social media. Ang maaasahan niyo naman sa akin ay ang patuloy kong pagtrabaho sa mga reporma natin sa Senado, lalo na sa edukasyon,” Sen. Bam said. 

 Recently, a Pulse Asia survey showed that 88 percent of Filipinos are aware of the proliferation of fake news on social media.

During his stint as chairman of the Committee on Education, Sen. Bam conducted a hearing on the responsible use of social media in schools to fight spread of fake news on social media. 

In the said hearing, Sen. Bam urged different stakeholders, led by the Department of Education (DepEd), to join forces in combating rampant trolling, hate speech and spread of misinformation online. 

 In another Senate hearing, Sen. Bam called on the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) to seriously tackle the problem of online disinformation and fake news sites.

Sen. Bam: Senate must act now, roll-back excise tax on fuel before Christmas

The increase in self-rated poverty is yet another indication that the Senate should move on legislative action to address rising prices of food and other goods by suspending the excise tax on fuel under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law, according to Sen. Bam Aquino.

“Kailangan na natin umaksyon. Solusyunan natin ang krisis sa presyo para tulungan ang mga naghihirap na pamilya,” said Sen. Bam, who has been pushing for the passage of the Bawas Presyo sa Petrolyo Bill in the Senate.

In its third quarter survey, the Social Weather Stations (SWS) noted an increase in self-rated poverty in September to 52 percent or 12.2 million families. This is four points higher than the 48 percent or 11.1 million families in June 2018.

Sen. Bam urged colleagues to support the minority’s Joint Senate Resolution No. 15, which aims to suspend the excise tax under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law and rollback the tax on fuel to December 31, 2017 rates.

“Huwag na nating antayin na ma-certify urgent ito. Umaksyon na po tayo nang kusa. Kung kailangang mag-special session tayo sa Senado habang may session break, gawin na po natin ito,” said Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam said a collective action of the Senate will send a clear message to Malacanang on the stand of the Upper Chamber to ease the burden of Filipinos, especially the poor, from the high prices of food and other goods.

 “This is a chance to show in word and in action that the Senate wishes to ease the burden of our countrymen and remove the excise tax on petroleum products,” stressed Sen. Bam.

 “Seventy four days na lang po, Pasko na!  Ito na siguro ang pinakamagandang regalo na maibibigay natin sa pamilyang Pilipino,” said Sen. Bam.

On Wednesday, minority senators – composed of Minority Floor Leader Franklin Drilon and Sens. Francis Pangilinan, Risa Hontiveros, Antonio Trillanes, Leila de Lima and Sen. Bam — submitted Senate Joint Resolution No. 15.

In their joint resolution, the minority senators stressed the need for the urgent intervention of the Congress of the Philippines to mitigate the inflationary effects of rising fuel prices by suspending the increases in excise tax on fuel under RA No. 10963 or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law.

For his part, Sen. Bam filed Senate Bill No. 1798 or the Bawas Presyo sa Petrolyo Bill as early as May 10, 2018, seeking to suspend the collection of excise tax on fuel once inflation rate breaches the annual inflation target over a three-month period.

Sen. Bam: Protect commuters and drivers, no jeepney phase-out in March 2019

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) both committed that there will be no phase-out of public utility jeepneys (PUJs) come March 2019. 
 
“Lahat, pati komyuter, talo sa planong phase-out sa Marso. Kung mawala ang ating mga jeepney, wala ring masasakyan ang ating mga kababayan. Tulungan natin ang mga driver na mag-modernize, imbis na tanggalin lang ang kanilang trabaho’t kabuhayan ng kanilang pamilya,” said Sen. Bam. 
 
“Plano niyo sanang bawiin ang ang prangkisa ng mga jeep sa Marso, ngunit hindi man lang kinunsulta o tinanong ang transport sector. Gawin natin ito ng tama, huwag muna ituloy itong phase-out,” added Sen. Bam, referring to the Memorandum Circular released by DOTr and LTFRB. 
 
During the hearing of the Committee on Public Services on the issue of jeepney modernization, LTFRB head Martin Delgra and DOTr Undersecretary Tim Orbos gave their commitment to Sen. Bam Aquino that the phase-out in March will not push through. 
 
Earlier, Sen. Bam filed a public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization bill with the support of the National Confederation of Transport Union (NCTU), Sentro, ACTO, and Philippine Advocates for Transport Convergence. 
 
In his Senate Bill No. 2056, Sen. Bam seeks to make jeepneys safer and more efficient for commuters and the environment, while ensuring the livelihood of drivers and their families. 
 
“Nais natin umunlad at umasenso ang mga sistema ng jeepney at tricycle, bus at tren sa bansa – at naniniwala akong may kakayahan tayong gawin ito. Ngunit kailangan din natin siguraduhin na sa programang ito, walang masasagasaang Pilipino,” said Sen. Bam. 
 
If passed into law, jeepneys will be tested based on road-worthiness and financial assistance will be given to owners who need to upgrade their jeepneys. Drivers that wish to shift careers will also be given sufficient compensation.

Sen. Bam continues education advocacy, dedicates new bills for Filipino teachers to his grandparents

Sen. Bam Aquino has filed two measures for the benefit of Filipino teachers and to celebrate their role in the country’s development. 
 
“Ang mga panukalang ito ay pagkilala sa halaga ng ating mga guro sa pagpapalago ng kaalaman ng mga Pilipino,” said Sen. Bam, principal sponsor of the law for free college education. 
 
“Dedicated kay Lola Vicky at Lolo Dondoy ang mga panukalang ito. Para ito sa lahat ng mga teacher na piniling ilaan ang kanilang buhay sa edukasyon para tulungan ang kabataan,” added Sen. Bam, referring to his grandparents from his mother’s side, Dondoy and Vicky Aguirre, who worked on establishing the University of Mindanao in Davao and worked as educators until their retirement. 
 
On Monday, Sen. Bam submitted Senate Bill No. 2057 or the Teachers Compensation and Support Act of 2018 and Senate Bill No. 2058 or the National Teachers Day Act. 
 
Senate Bill No. 2057 aims to ensure just salaries and ensure reasonable working conditions for private and public school teachers. 
 
The measure would create a Private School Teachers Salary Subsidy (PSTSS), which will allow government to ensure that the salaries of qualified teachers from accredited private basic education institutions match those of public school teachers. The PSTSS will prioritize private school teachers in schools and areas that primarily serve students from lower income families. 
 
There will also be free legal assistance, free counselling services, and an education subsidy for qualified and financially disadvantaged teachers who wish to pursue further education. 
 
The Teachers Compensation and Support Act has the support and participation of various organizations, including the Philippine Association of Private Schools, Colleges, and Universities (PAPSCU), Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), National Alliance of Private Schools Philippines, Inc. (NAPSPHIL), and the PEAC-Fund Assistance to Private Education (PEAC-FAPE). 
 
With the help of the Teachers Dignity Coalition, Sen. Bam also filed Senate Bill No. 2058 to make Oct. 5 a paid non-working holiday for all teachers. 10 Sen. Bam has passed 27 laws including Republic Act 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act making education free in public universities and colleges.

Sen. Bam Aquino on the 6.7 percent inflation rate in September

Hindi na makahinga ang mga Pilipino sa sobrang paghihigpit ng sinturon.

Siyam na buwan nang tuluy tuloy ang pagtaas ng inflation rate ng bansa. May krisis na tayo sa bigas at taas presyo. Kailangang kailangan na ng aksyon mula sa gobyerno.

Magtulungan po tayo. Unahin natin ang roll-back at suspension ng excise tax sa petrolyo at tiyaking may abot kayang bigas sa ating mga palengke.

Itigil na ang away at turuan. Pabigat lang iyan at hindi mapapagaan ang pasanin ng taumbayan na nalulunod na sa taas ng presyo ng bilihin.

Sen. Bam to champion 2 new reforms for Filipino teachers

In celebration of the World Teachers Day on October 5, Sen. Bam Aquino shared two new reforms to promote the welfare of teachers and recognize their contributions to the development of our country and the lives of students.

Sen. Bam will file a measure entitled National Teachers Day Act to make Oct. 5 a paid non-working holiday for all teachers.

“Non-stop ang trabaho ng ating mga guro. Sa dami ng kanilang ginagawa, para bang mayroon silang superpowers! But even superheroes need rest. Let’s give our teachers their own holiday so they can be appreciated and celebrated,” said Sen. Bam, adding that the measure is being pushed by the Teachers Dignity Coalition.

Sen. Bam is also set to submit the Teachers Compensation and Support Act to ensure reasonable working conditions and provide free legal assistance and free counselling services to educators.

“Sadly, marami pa ring guro ang nagrereklamo na maliit at hindi sapat ang natatanggap nilang suweldo sa pribadong paaralan kung ikukumpara sa pampublikong eskuwelahan,” said Sen. Bam.

“Tulungan at suportahan natin ang mga Filipino teachers. Siguraduhin natin na disente ang nakukuha nilang suweldo at patas ang suweldo at working conditions sa public at private schools,” added Sen. Bam, vice chairman of the Committee on Education.

The measure will also provide an education subsidy for qualified and financially disadvantaged teachers who want to pursue further education.

The Teachers Compensation and Support Act is being pushed by different stakeholders and organizations, which include: Philippine Association of Private Schools, Colleges, and Universities (PAPSCU), Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), National Alliance of Private Schools Philippines, Inc. (NAPSPHIL), and the PEAC-Fund Assistance to Private Education (PEAC-FAPE).

Sen. Bam, for his part, has passed 27 laws including Republic Act 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act making education free in public universities and colleges.

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