Senator Bam Aquino lauded colleagues for crossing party lines to approve the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) on third and final reading, adding that this type of teamwork can also alleviate Filipinos from the rise in prices.

“We are happy to see wide support for the BBL. We are hopeful that it will help usher in peace and development to the Bangsamoro region,” said Sen. Bam, who co-sponsored and co-authored the measure.

“Sisikapin pa ng bicam members na pagbutihin ang BBL at siguraduhin na makakatulong ito sa pag-unlad ng Mindanao,” said Sen. Bam, referring to some contentious provisions of the Senate version, which he hopes can be ironed out during the bicameral conference committee.

“With the BBL and even with the free college law, we’ve proven that we can work beyond political lines to pass reforms that will benefit the people. We should do the same to alleviate Filipinos from the rising prices,” added Sen. Bam, referring to his proposal to suspend the TRAIN law.

Sen. Bam filed Senate Bill No. 1798, which seeks to rollback of TRAIN’s excise tax on fuel when average inflation rate surpasses the annual inflation target over a three-month period.

“Nalulunod na sa taas ng presyo ang Pilipino ngunit walang nakahandang salbabida sa TRAIN Law,” said Sen. Bam, who hopes to strengthen safeguards in the law through his proposal.