Bills by Bam Aquino

Senate Bill No. 703: Community Disaster Warehouse Bill

In the past few years, the country has been battered by more than twenty typhoons a year, with an increasing number in the super-typhoon category.

As super-typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) hit Eastern Visayas, particularly Leyte, last year, Filipinos who were seriously affected needed to contend with an insurmountable shortage of food, clean water, medicine and first aid, and clothing to weather the storm. Supplies weren’t able to reach the survivors immediately due to wrecked ports, airports and roads.

Thus, it is important that every community in the country be equipped and prepared for disasters, and make relief and basic goods as accessible as possible. The first few days after storms or earthquakes hit are crucial in mitigating further tragedies to individuals and families.

Hence, the establishment of community disaster warehouses aims to extend assistance to survivors of calamities, natural or man-made, by ensuring access to basic goods and prime commodities.

It intends for goods sold in these warehouses to be tax-exempt, and ensure that goods in the market would be available to avoid hoarding in affected areas. Furthermore, it seeks to protect citizens from price manipulation during times of crisis.

This intervention is important for the days and weeks right after the calamity to enable people and communities to start rebuilding and normalizing their lives.

Equipping communities with proper mechanism to assist its people during adversity is empowering and inclusive towards a nation that works for all.

In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 

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Senate Bill No. 702: Permanent Residency for Qualified Religious Workers Act

Foreign religious workers and missionaries have played an important role not only in the faith life of Filipino communities, but also in promoting the welfare of the poor through outreach work and social missions. They have sacrificed and left the comfort of their homes to live away from their families without expecting or asking for anything in return. They have chosen not just to share their talents and skills but also intend to live the rest of their lives and die serving the Filipino people. We are honored to have their experiences one with the people whose life we welcome in our country.

This bill seeks to amend Commonwealth Act No. 613, otherwise known as the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940. It is our intent to relieve foreign religious workers of the burdensome requirements and procedures for staying in the country and performing their chosen vocation here that benefits our communities. This bill seeks to assist the many religious workers who have already dedicated long years of their lives to their missionary work and vocation in the country.

This measure is also part of the proposed reforms to update our antiquated immigration law to better address the changing needs and demands of the Philippines, as a member of an increasingly globalized and interconnected international community.

In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

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Senate Bill No. 715: Solo Parents’ Welfare Act

Raising children and nurturing a healthy family is a major challenge to parents and takes a great deal of time, effort, patience, and learning. For solo parents, the challenge is even more daunting.

To make the situation worse, the financial burden as breadwinner adds to the stress and pressure of solo parents. As such, this measure seeks to amend Republic Act No. 8972 or the Solo Parents’ Welfare Act of 2000 to add benefits for solo parents, increase penalties for non-compliance, and enhance the effectiveness of the law’s implementation.

Through these amendments, solo parents will be awarded a 10% discount on clothing for their child and a 15% discount on baby’s milk and food up to two years from childbirth.

A 15% discount from medicine and medical supply purchases until 5 years from childbirth as well as a 10% discount from tuition fees will also be awarded.

Lastly, a personal tax exemption of Php50,000 can be claimed by single parents, allowing them to take home a larger portion of their income to invest in their family’s future.

Let us give them the support they need to provide a bright future for families of solo parents.

In view of the foregoing, the approval of thjs bill is earnestly sought.

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Senate Bill No. 706: Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act

Recently, outbound passengers have been apprehended at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and have fallen victim to the tanim-bala (planting bullets) scam.

A 65-year old woman on her way to Singapore to watch her nephew play soccer1a 56-year old domestic helper bound for Hong Kong to go back to work2, and an 18-year old choir member on her way to South Korea for a competition were some of the victims of the scandal.

Activities that jeopardize the safety and security of the public are clearly unacceptable. We must build a secure, orderly, and just nation for our tourists, foreign and local investors, and, most importantly, our own citizens.

Clearly, a scam that is unsupportive of our efforts to raise government service standards for the Filipino people should be stopped immediately. As investigations have been ordered, it is also imperative to look at policy proposals and interventions that fully address the issue.

The Iwas Tanim Bala Bill aims to decriminalize acquisition, possession and carriage of three bullets or less in the country and shall not constitute as a criminal offense under this Act. The measure also aims to make security efforts more efficient and to enable security stakeholders to focus on real and grave threats.

Let us continue refining our policies into those that will truly serve our people, especially the common Filipino, and effectively continue the fight to eradicate lawlessness in the country.

In view of the foregoing, the approval of the bill is earnestly sought.

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Senate Bill No. 705: Scholarship for the Poor Act

Rusty Quintana grew up as a street child in Cagayan De Oro, and was unable to finish elementary and high school, instead finishing his basic education through the Alternative Learning System (ALS) Program of the Department of Education. Through his hard work, perseverance and talents. Rusty obtained a scholarship at the prestigious Xavier University and obtained his degree last year.

Rusty represents the many Filipino students who despite their talent, intelligence and determination, are unable to pursue higher education due to a lack of funds.

This bill proposes that all colleges and universities be mandated to provide scholarships to at least 5% of their total student population who are unable to afford secondary education but are deserving of the support.

In this way, post-secondary education in any institution can be made accessible to all students regardless of their financial situation.

By enacting this bill, our nation will uphold Article XIV, Section 1 of the Constitution which provides that the State “protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education” and “take appropriate steps to make education accessible to all.”

This mandate will serve as an incentive for low-income families and students to strive for excellence in their studies, having a viable pathway to an excellent postsecondary education in any college institution. Filipinos across the nation will be empowered by this legislation which will ultimately serve as a key to rising out of poverty.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

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Senate Bill No. 714: Declaring December 25-31 and January 1 as Special Non-Working Holidays

This bill seeks to institutionalize the observance of long holidays from December 25 – January 1 as special non-working days.

Section 26, Chapter 7, Book I of Executive Order No. 292, as amended, otherwise known as the “Administrative Code of 1987,” lists among its regular holidays, January 1 as New Year’s Day, December 25 being Christmas Day, December 30 as Jose Rizal Day, and December 31 as a nationwide Special Holiday being the last day of the year.

Excluding Saturday and Sunday, there are only two working days in the eight days affected by this bill. To make up for these two days, this bill seeks to also declare the two Saturdays preceding December 25 as regular working days, to avoid any productivity losses.

The proposed bill seeks to spur local tourism by extending the holiday period to include these eight days, thus encouraging citizens to plan travel vacations with family and friends.

In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
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Senate Bill No. 697: Adjusting the Level of Net Taxable Income and Nominal Tax Rates

As the Philippines pushes for inclusive growth, it is imperative that the government create the necessary mechanisms to enable the vast majority of Filipinos to feel the fruits of this growth. At present, efforts are underway to promote ease of business, generate jobs, support the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs); and address rising unemployment and underemployment.

In spite of all these, Filipinos are still feeling the pinch of high taxes and rising prices. The Consumer Price Index shows that a basket of goods worth PhplOO in 1997 is already worth Php228 in 2015, doubling in a space of 18 years since the tax brackets were last adjusted. While the private sector has a role in responding to the needs of its employees, many enterprises also struggle with ensuring fair and equal pay for their workers while keeping their own businesses afloat.

Thus, the government has to play the delicate balancing act between the growing demands of its labor force and the limitations of the private sector. One solution is to review and reform the current tax system in a way that reflects current prices, and enables a more equitable distribution of wealth for its citizens.

The measure, therefore, seeks to amend Section 24 of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended, by adjusting the levels of net taxable income and simplifying the nominal tax rates for the purposes of computing the individual income tax. This Act effectively lowers the taxes on the Filipino working class — which comprises around 22 million of the Philippine population — allowing them to enjoy a higher net income and increasing their purchasing power, without necessarily imposing a burden on the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The collections from this Act also adjusts the tax level of the upper one percent (1%) of taxpayers, making sure that the government is able to collect a larger share of income from those who can afford to pay more. A more just tax system will also serve to encourage citizens to declare their true income and pay their taxes.

In effect, this measure serves as one of the important reforms to create a more equitable, just, and effective tax regime for Filipino taxpayers. It supports the government’s push for inclusive growth while ensuring that government is still able to raise funds for social programs that directly benefit the poor. It is a systemic, win-win solution that offers the greatest benefit to the greatest number of Filipinos. 

In view of this foregoing, immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 

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Senate Bill No. 713: LPG Industry Regulation and Safety Act

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) stoves are recognized in other countries to provide a cleaner, safer, more efficient means of cooking. In India, for example, LPG use is promoted and even subsidized by the government.1

Our closer neighbor, Malaysia has doubled its per capita LPG consumption from 2000 to 2012 while Thailand and Indonesia have tripled their consumption in order to move into cleaner cooking fuel.2

Conversely, LPG consumption in the Philippines has simmered in the past 10 years, with demand remaining at an average of 1.1 metric tons yearly from 2009 to 2013. Moreover, the Bureau of Fire Protection reported 800 fires related to LPGs from 2005 to 2013.

We must light a fire under our local LPG sector and ensure sector players comply with safety standards while motivating them to progress as an industry.

This measure seeks to establish a regulatory framework for the importation, refining, refilling, transportation, distribution and marketing of LPG, and the manufacture, requalification, exchange, and swapping or improvement of LPG cylinders.

It shall establish the LPG Monitoring and Enforcement Task Force to create standards of conduct and codes of practice for LPG businesses to provide Filipino consumers high quality LPG for their personal and commercial use.

Let us push our local LPG industry to keep up with the modern standards of LPG manufacturing and protect our local consumers against faulty products and careless services. 

In view of this foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 

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Senate Bill No. 712: Right to Adequate Food Framework Act

In this day and age of technology, economic development, and social consciousness, it is inexcusable to allow our countrymen to grow hungry.

It is our duty to enhance the welfare of our citizens and ensure that every Filipino is given regular, permanent, and unrestricted access to sufficient food and nutrition.

The Adequate Food Framework Bill holds at its center this duty and responsibility, targeting the eradication of hunger across the Philippine islands in the next ten years.

In order to achieve this in a sustainable manner, this legislation will ensure that land devoted to food production shall be increased to 50% of all prime agricultural land in every region.

This measure also increases the coverage of school feeding programs, the public budget allocation for the marginalized and disadvantaged Filipinos who are unable to feed themselves, as well as research on agriculture, irrigation, and rural development.

To exercise due diligence, this measure proposes periodic reviews of compliance of set targets as well as the establishment of the Commission on the Right to Adequate Food, attached to the Commission on Human Rights, to ensure the proactive and efficient implementation of plans to achieve zero-hunger in the Philippines.

The least we can do for our poor countrymen is to actively pursue the eradication of hunger in the Philippines. I urge my colleagues to vote for the passing of this measure.

In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

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Senate Bill No. 710: Minimum Monthly Take-Home Pay Bill

Government employees and teachers have taken on the challenge of serving the country and being an active part in the tedious process of improving our beloved nation.

But with the increasing cost of living, many of these employees tighten their belts to get by on modest salaries. They turn to loan agents, government and private, to make ends meet. They go into debt in order to provide for their families’ needs, even to the extent that the entirety of their salary end up going to loan payments.

How can these critical players in nation building put their full effort into their public service if they are bombarded with financial woes? It is thus imminent that the State curb unhealthy practices and provide clear policies in support of its government servant-leaders.

By setting a minimum net take-home pay for government employees, this bill seeks to ensure that public servants are able to meet their families’ basic needs and reduce their need to take on debts. Setting a minimum take-home amount allows an appropriate control for government employees to be able to properly budget for their households’ expenses.

Such measure contributes in the efforts to ensure that no one gets left behind, especially among our country’s public servants, in the progress and development of the country.

In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

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