Bam Aquino Law

Sen. Bam sees more access to higher education, high-paying jobs for Filipinos

If measure on free tuition in SUCs is enacted into law

If enacted into law, the measure providing free tuition in state universities and colleges (SUCs) will lead to more college graduates and higher paying jobs, giving underprivileged students a chance at a brighter future, according to Sen. Bam Aquino.

“We’ve already passed the Affordable Higher Education for All Act in the Senate and we’re confident it will become law within the year,” said Sen. Bam, the principal sponsor and co-author of Senate Bill No. 1304.

“Kapag ito’y naisabatas, mas malaki na ang pagkakataon ng ating mga estudyante na makatapos ng kolehiyo at magkaroon ng magandang trabaho,” he added.

During his short stint as chairman of the Committee on Education, Sen. Bam defended the measure on the floor during plenary debates and interpellation. The measure was approved by the Senate on third and final reading via an 18-0 vote.

After the House passes its own version of the bill, a bicameral conference committee will be held to consolidate both versions. If the final version is ratified by both Houses, it will be transmitted to Malacanang for the President’s approval.

The measure aims to institutionalize free tuition in SUCs all over the country, giving underprivileged students a chance to earn a college degree.

 It will also streamline and strengthen all Student Financial Assistance Programs (StuFAP), making it available to students who want to pursue higher education in private institutions, as well as subsidizing other expenses of SUC students.

Sen. Bam clarified that the measure is different from the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) released recently by the Commission on Higher Education and the Department of Budget and Management.

The senator said the IRR issued by the CHED and DBM was for the P8 billion earmarked in the 2017 budget for the free tuition fees in SUCs. 

The senator stated that under the currently allotted budget, only around half of the students in SUCs stand to benefit from free tuition.

However, if Senate Bill No. 1304 is passed into law, every SUC student can avail of free tuition. There will also be a mechanism for more financially-abled students to opt to pay for their tuition fee.

Sen. Bam lauds House for passing measure on free internet in public spaces

Sen. Bam Aquino lauded the House of Representatives for passing on third and final reading a measure that will establish free internet connection in public spaces.

“Ngayong nakalusot na sa Kamara ang panukala, inaasahan natin na ito’y maisasabatas sa lalong madaling panahon upang mapakinabangan na ng ating mga kababayan,” said Sen. Bam, referring to House Bill No. 5225 or the “Free Public Wi-Fi Act”.

 “As an enabler for education and for business, we should explore all efforts to improve the internet infrastructure and provide Filipinos with fast, reliable internet connections,” added Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam, chairman of the Committee on Science and Technology, pushed for the passage of Senate Bill No. 1277 or the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act as principal sponsor and co-author. It was approved by the Senate on third and final reading via 18-0 vote.

 Sen. Bam’s fellow Tarlaqueno — Tarlac 2nd District Rep. Victor Yap – sponsored the measure as chairman of the House Committee on Information and Communications Technology.

The authors of the measure in the House include Reps. Gus Tambunting, Marlyn Primicias-Agabas, Bernadette Herrera-Dy, Geraldine Roman, Sarah Jane Elago, Vilma Santos-Recto, Teddy Brawner Baguilat, Jr., Ann Hofer;

Henry Ong, Rose Marie Arenas, Aniceto Bertiz III, Jose Enrique Garcia III, Francis Gerald Abaya, Micaela Violago, Enrico Pineda, Maria Cristina Roa-Puno, Dakila Carlo Cua and Mariano Michael Velarde Jr.

 The measure aims to provide internet access in all national and local government offices, public schools, public transport terminals, public hospitals and public libraries.

Under the measure, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) will be mandated to craft a plan and a timeline for the rollout of this program.

 The measure also authorizes the DICT to cut red tape and streamline the process for the application of permits and certificates for the construction of infrastructure and installation of necessary equipment, in coordination with national government agencies and local government units.

 Meanwhile, Sen. Bam announced that his committee is scheduled to resume hearing on the national broadband plan next week.

Bam: Provide free tuition for all SUC students, pass measure ASAP

A senator affirmed that all students in state colleges and universities (SUCS) stand to benefit from Senate Bill No. 1304 or the Affordable Higher Education for All Act once it is enacted into law.

“We commend the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for coming out with the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the allotted budget. But our priority remains to be the passage of the Affordable Higher Education for All Act so all students in SUCs are provided free tuition,” said Sen. Bam.

 Sen. Bam was referring to the IRR jointly issued by CHED and DBM in connection with the P8 billion earmarked in the 2017 budget for the free tuition fees in SUCs.  

The senator stated that under the currently allotted budget, only around half of the students in SUCs stand to benefit from free tuition.

But once Senate Bill No. 1304 is passed into law, every SUC student can avail of free tuition. There will also be a mechanism for more financially-abled students to opt to pay for their tuition fee.

 “May mga pagkakaiba ang panukala kumpara sa inilabas na IRR ukol sa paggamit ng inilaang pondo,” said Sen. Bam.

“We’re hoping to file a resolution and invite CHED to give the Senate a full briefing of the IRR. Kailangan klaro ito sa publiko, lalo na sa mga estudyante at kanilang mga magulang,” Sen. Bam announced.

 “More importantly, we must ensure the passage of the Affordable Higher Education for All Act in Congress, so that all students in SUCs can avail of free tuition,” he added.

 During his eight-month tenure as Committee on Education chairman, Sen. Bam pushed for the passage of the Affordable Higher Education for All Act or Senate Bill No. 1304 as principal sponsor and co-author. The measure was approved by the Senate on third and final reading via an 18-0 vote.

 After the House passes its own version of the bill, a bicameral conference committee will be held to consolidate both versions. If the final version is ratified by both Houses, it will be transmitted to Malacanang for the President’s approval. 

“In 1988, secondary education was made free. Now we have the opportunity to pass another major reform – to make tuition free in our state universities and colleges,” Sen. Bam asserted.

Bam: MFI NGOs provide lower-interest, no-collateral loans to poor, micro-businesses

Rather than be burdened by high-interest loans collected by loan sharks and other informal lenders, Sen. Bam Aquino encouraged the public to approach m​icrofinance non-government organizations (​MFI ​NGOs) for lower-interest and no-collateral financing.

“Madali nga ang proseso ng pangungutang sa 5-6 subalit pinapatay naman tayo sa laki ng interes sa kanilang mga pautang,” said Sen. Bam.

 “Upang hindi na tayo mabigatan sa malaking interes, subukan nating lumapit sa mga MFI NGOs sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng bansa na nagbibigay ng pautang sa mas mababang interes at walang kolateral,” added Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam explained that some micro-business owners were forced to close shop due to the high interest being collected by loan sharks. But businesses flourished after obtaining loans and undergoing training from different MFI NGOs in the country.

 “Huwag sayangin ang kita sa malaking interes na sinisingil ng 5-6,” said Sen. Bam.

 Aside from low-interest loans, MFI NGOs also provide clients with trainings and other business development skills that they can use to grow their livelihood. MFI NGOs also help in community organizing and values formation and offer other services like insurance and education and health-related loans to their regular clients.

Before he was elected as senator, Sen. Bam worked with MFI NGOs as a social entrepreneur.

During his term as chairman of the Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship in the 16th Congress, Sen. Bam sponsored and co-authored Republic Act 10693 or the Microfinance NGOs Act to ensure MFI NGOs continue to operate and serve poor Filipino communities.

 Sen. Bam said the MFI NGOs Act will help eradicate 5-6 by giving Filipinos an alternative means to obtain low-interest, no-collateral loans.

Republic Act 10693 gives incentives to MFI NGOs to continue helping Filipinos overcome poverty not just through financing but also through financial literacy, livelihood, and entrepreneurship training.

The law also provides MFI NGOs needed support and incentives that includes access to government programs and projects, technical assistance and exemption from taxes.

 In addition to the MFI NGOs Act, Sen. Bam will be looking into other measures where government can further support the MFI sector.

 Microfinance NGOs have been operating in the country since 1986. According to latest data, MFI NGO members of the Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. (MCPI) have five million active borrowers.

 For a full list of MFI NGOs in the country, please visit http://www. microfinancecouncil.org/ regular-members/.

Bam: Education is one of Senate’s utmost priorities

The passage of the Affordable Higher Education for All Act via 18-0 vote is a clear message to Filipinos that education is an utmost priority in the Senate, Sen. Bam Aquino emphasized.

“The Senate sent a strong signal to the Filipino people with an 18-0 vote for the passage of the Affordable Higher Education for All Act,” Sen. Bam said in his endorsement speech for the appointment of Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones.

“Our priority is education. We are investing in educating our countrymen and arming them with the knowledge and skills to build a better future for their family,” Sen. Bam told members of the Commission on Appointments.

In his earlier manifestation after the measure’s approval, Sen. Bam stressed that the Affordable Higher Education for All Act is the best investment that the country can undertake for the future of the students and the next generation.

Sen. Bam also thanked students, saying their everyday plight inspired lawmakers to pass the measure, which will provide free tuition fee in state colleges and universities and strengthen the government’s scholarship programs in private higher educational institutions.

 “Alam natin ang pinagdadaanan ng mga estudyante, kung gaano kahirap ang kinalalagyan at kung gaano nila kailangan ang batas na ito,” said Sen. Bam, who acted as principal sponsor and co-author of Senate Bill No. 1304.

The senator defended the measure during interpellation before he was removed as chairman of the Committee on Education and replaced by Sen. Chiz Escudero.

During his manifestation, Sen. Bam thanked Sen. Escudero for allowing him to finish work on the measure until its passage.

 The senator also lauded the Senate’s concerted effort, thanking fellow senators who helped develop and strengthen the measure during interpellation and period of amendments.

 “Nothing that passes through the Senate can be attributed to one person alone, one office alone which is why this team effort from across the aisle must be recognized,” said Sen. Bam.

 Sen. Bam also acknowledged concerned government agencies and private stakeholders for their contribution in tackling the different provisions of the measure.

Students back free tuition in SUCs, call it way to better future

“We now have a chance to rise from poverty and have a better future”.

 Thus said Jen Mark Calub, an aviation communication student at the Philippine State College of Aeronautics (PhilSCA), as he welcomed the proposed free tuition in state colleges and universities (SUCs).

 As a student regent, Calub is aware of the situation that financially challenged students undergo, especially when it comes to payment of tuition fee and other school charges.

 “Every enrollment, students asking for more time to pay their tuition fee due to lack of financial capacity is a common sight in our school,” said Calub.

 “The most common reason is the meager salaries of their parents while other students have to work for their tuition fee,” added Calub.

 Calub said PhilSCA students are now optimistic about finishing their college degree through the help of Senate Bill No. 1304 or the “Free Higher Education for All Act”, principally sponsored by Sen. Bam Aquino.

Currently being tackled in the plenary, the measure seeks to provide free tuition fee to all students in SUCs.

 “When we learned about the measure, we now believe that there is still hope for those who want to continue with their education at PhilSCA,” said Calub.

Tristen Jamon, supreme student council president at PhilSCA’s Basa Palmayo Campus, echoed Calub’s view, saying the measure will inspire students to finish their dream degree.

“Ito ang magbibigay sa amin ng pagkakataon upang makamit ang aming mga pangarap at magsisilbing motibasyon upang pagsikapan pang lalo ang aming pag-aaral,” he said.

 A student from the University of the Philippines-Diliman who requested anonymity, said the measure, if passed into law, will help Iskolars ng Bayan like him hurdle financial obstacles that hamper their studies.

 Aside from Sen. Bam, other authors of the measure are Sens. Ralph Recto, Joel Villanueva, Sherwin Gatchalian, Francis Pangilinan, Sonny Angara, Loren Legarda, Leila de Lima, Cynthia Villar, Juan Miguel Zubiri and Richard Gordon.

Bam: ‘Pagkaing Pinoy para sa Batang Pinoy’ to help combat hunger

Once passed into law, the Pagkaing Pinoy para sa Batang Pinoy measure will help address the problem of hunger in the country, according to Sen. Bam Aquino.

 Latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey indicated that an estimated 3.1 million Filipino families or 13.9 percent experienced involuntary hunger at least once during the 4th quarter of 2016.

 The result was slightly higher than the 11.7 percent or 2.6 million in December 2015.

 “Malaki ang maitutulong ng panukalang ito upang mabawasan ang insidente ng kagutuman sa hanay ng ating mga kabataan sa bansa kapag ito’y naisabatas,” said Sen. Bam, principal sponsor and co-author of Senate Bill No. 1279, which is currently being tackled by the plenary.

 Sen. Bam’s Senate Bill No. 694 was consolidated in Senate Bill No. 1279 together with Senate Bill Nos. 23, 123, 160 and 548.

 “Sa lakas ng suportang nakuha ng panukalang ito, inaasahan natin na ito’y maisasabatas sa lalong madaling panahon upang agad na makatulong sa pagtugon sa problema ng kagutuman,” said Sen. Bam, chairman of the Committee on Education.

The measure will mandate the Department of Education to ensure that students from Kindergarten to Grade 6 are provided with proper and nutritious meals.

“Through this policy, school children in the kindergarten and elementary levels will enjoy free regular access to nutritious food with the DepEd ensuring that students from kindergarten to grade 6 are provided with proper meals,” Sen. Bam said.

Under the proposed measure, the feeding program will source produce from local farmers and fishermen to provide them with regular income and livelihood.

“Sa Pagkaing Pinoy para sa Batang Pinoy Act, lalaki nang malakas, matalino at malusog ang kabataang Pilipino habang umaasenso ang buhay ng ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda,” said Sen. Bam.

Based on 2012 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 16 million Filipino children are considered undernourished.

 Studies also show that the average age of the 11 million Filipino farmers and fishermen is 57 years old while the average annual income of a farmer is only about P20,000.

The bill also pushes for the “Gulayan sa Paaralan” program to promote gardening in schools and households to help augment the food needs of the program and instill a sense of appreciation for food production within the community.

Bam sponsors free tuition in SUCs bill, eyes more college graduates

To unlock the door to a brighter future for more Filipinos, Sen. Bam Aquino urged colleagues to provide free tuition fees in state college and universities (SUCs).

 “I believe it’s high time we invest boldly on education, especially now that we have the means and resources to make this happen,” said Sen. Bam, chairman of the Committee on Education, in his sponsorship speech for Senate Bill No. 1304 or the “Free Higher Education for All Act”.

Sen. Bam’s Senate Bill No. 177 was consolidated in Senate Bill No. 1304 together with other similar measures, which seek to provide free tuition fee to all students in SUCs.

 In his speech, Sen. Bam expressed hope that institutionalization of free tuition in SUCs will lead to more college graduates.

 Based on data, only one of four students in SUCs will earn a degree while the rest will drop out. The number one reason for drop outs is financial issues or poverty.

 “Our proposed measure seeks to improve access to higher education and empower more Filipinos with the promise of a college diploma,” Sen. Bam stressed.

At present, the senator said about 1,645,566 students are enrolled in different SUCs, where the average weighted annual tuition is P9,407.

If passed, Sen. Bam said the government will shell out around P16 billion every year to subsidize tuition fees in SUCs.

 On top of the free tuition in SUCs, Sen. Bam also assured private stakeholders that the government will also strengthen its Student Financial Assistance Program or StuFAP.

 At present, 19 StuFAPs are lodged in different government agencies such as the Commission on Higher Education, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Department of National Defense (DND).

 These programs include scholarships, grants-in-aid, student loans, subsidies and incentives that cover other educational expenses and the living allowance incurred by students pursuing higher education.

 With the proposed measure and other policies and laws, such as the Iskolar ng Bayan Act, StuFAP through UNIFAST, and scholarships lodged in CHED, DOST and DND, Sen. Bam is confident that more Filipinos will be empowered by a college degree.

In addition to the free tuition in SUCs, Sen. Bam also filed several education-related measures — Senate Bill No. 1278 or Trabaho Centers in Schools Act and Senate Bill No 171 or the Abot Alam Bill. Senate Bill No. 1279 is now being tackled in the plenary.

 “Isa lang po ito sa inaalay naming reporma sa hanay ng edukasyon. Marami pa po tayong ibang kailangang i-trabaho at gawin upang tunay na umasenso ang buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” Sen. Bam pointed out.

Bam: CHED ‘out of touch’ on claim SUC students are ‘moneyed, non-poor’

Senator Bam Aquino described as “out of touch” the Commission on Higher Education’s claim that students in state colleges and universities (SUCs) are mostly moneyed and non-poor.

 “Three out of four ng estudyante sa SUC ay nagda-drop-out dahil kulang ang kanilang pambayad. Paano sila naging mayaman,” said Sen. Bam, chairman of the Committee on Education in the 17th Congress.

 Sen. Bam’s reaction came after CHED chairperson Patricia Licuanan said in a television interview that “only moneyed and non-poor students will enjoy the P8.3-billion budget for free tuition fee in SUCs”.

 While he admitted that the country’s “poorest of the poor” are not in college, Sen. Bam said many of the students in SUCs still come from families of minimum-wage earners.

 “Hindi masasabing sila ang poorest of the poor, pero kailangan pa rin nila ng tulong pinansiyal para makatapos ng kolehiyo,” said Sen. Bam.

As chairman of the Committee on Education, Sen. Bam said the institutionalization of free tuition in SUCs will keep students in schools and lead to more college graduates.

 “We want more people to get a degree. Sana sa tulong ng repormang ito, dumami pa ang college graduates sa Pilipinas na makatutulong sa kanilang pamilya sa malapit na hinaharap,” Sen. Bam said in a television interview.

Aquino filed Senate Bill No. 177 or the Free Higher Education for All Act giving free tuition fee to all students in SUCs.

 Aside from Sen. Bam’s bill, several senators have filed similar measures to institutionalize free college education in SUCs beyond the allocation of P8.3 billion in the 2017 budget.

“We’re very positive about it, we’re very hopeful about this bill, and we’re getting a lot of cross-party support. We hope to pass it as soon as possible,” said Sen. Bam.

Aside from free tuition fees in SUCs, Sen. Bam has also filed other education-related bills in the 17th Congress.

 Among them is the Senate Bill No. 1278 or Trabaho Centers in Schools Act, which recently hurdled the committee level and will be discussed in plenary this year.

Sen. Bam also wants to give out of school youth (OSY) in the country access to education through his Senate Bill No. 171 or the Abot Alam Bill, which seeks to institutionalize alternative learning system (ALS).

Bam: Boost MFI NGOs to beef up campaign vs loan sharks

While it aggressively pursues abusive loan sharks, the government must also strengthen the country’s microfinance institutions (MFI) to help address the financing needs of the poor, according to Sen. Bam Aquino.

“As author of the Microfinance NGOs Act, we are supportive of eradicating 5-6 in the Philippines,” said Sen. Bam, referring to Republic Act 10693, which he pushed as co-author and principal sponsor during his term as chairman of Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship in the 16th Congress.

 The senator pointed out there are better alternatives to 5-6, like MFIs NGOs that provide alternative low-interest, no-collateral financing to the poor and would-be entrepreneurs who need loan to start their own business.

 “There are better alternatives to 5-6, whether these are government programs, or led by the private sector. Mas magandang masuportahan ang mga grupo at programang ito na regulated ng goberyno na makapagbibigay rin ng pautang na hindi kasintaas ng mga 5-6 ang interes,” he added.

 Sen. Bam called on the BIR to finalize tax regulation for MFI-NGOs for the law to be fully implemented and fulfill its mandate to give the poor low-interest financing.

 Microfinance NGOs provide Filipinos access to low-interest, no collateral loans to pay for housing, medical, and educational needs as well as loans for small businesses.

 Republic Act 10693 gives incentives to microfinance NGOs to continue helping Filipinos overcome poverty not just through financing but also through financial literacy, livelihood, and entrepreneurship training.

The law also provides microfinance NGOs needed support and incentives that includes access to government programs and projects, technical assistance and exemption from taxes.

 “MFI NGOs aid our poor countrymen in times of inflation and price increases. They also provide financing and training for livelihood and small businesses so families can overcome poverty,” he said.

 In 2013, MFI NGO members of the Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. (MCPI) had a gross loan portfolio of over 15.26 billion pesos catering to more than 2.7 million micro-entrepreneurs.

 At the same time, Sen. Bam called on concerned government agencies to expedite the release of the implementing rules and regulations for Republic Act 10744 or the Credit Surety Fund Act.

 Aquino, author and sponsor of the measure’s Senate version, said it will institutionalize the CSF program of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), which addresses loan requirements ranging from P200,000 to P5 million.

 

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