halalan 2019

Sen. Bam vows to continue serving Filipino people in a private capacity

Saying he already entrusted his fate in the 2019 elections to God, Sen. Bam Aquino has committed to continue serving the Filipino people in whatever way he can in a private capacity.

“Hindi man tayo pinalad na makakuha ng pangalawang termino, hindi mauubos ang pagmamahal ko sa ating mga kababayan at kagustuhang manilbihan sa kapwa, bagkus sa ibang larangan naman,” Sen. Bam said in a statement.

“Napakalaking karangalan ang manilbihan sa taumbayan kaya’t lubus-lubos ang pasasalamat ko sa mga nakatrabaho at sumuporta sa akin sa loob ng anim na taon at sa mga walang pagod na nangampanya nitong nakaraang mga buwan,” he added.

Days before the elections, Sen. Bam said he already surrendered his fate to God, believing in His plans for him and for the country.

“Bago pa man ang araw ng eleksyon, ipinaubaya ko na sa Diyos ang resulta. At buo pa rin ang tiwala ko sa Kanyang plano para sa akin at higit sa lahat, para sa ating Bayan,” said Sen. Bam.

In his six years as senator, Sen. Bam has 43 laws to his name, including the landmark Free College Law and the Go Negosyo Act.

Major party list groups endorse Sen. Bam’s candidacy

Various major party list organizations have endorsed the candidacy of Sen. Bam Aquino, giving his re-election bid a huge lift with the May elections approaching.

Bayan Muna, Akbayan, Ako Bicol, Alliance of Concerned Teachers, Anakpawis, Gabriela, Kabataan, Katribu, Migrante, Akap-Bata, Confederation for Unity Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (COURAGE) and Piston all expressed their support for Sen. Bam for his solid track record in helping the basic sectors of society

Other party list groups, such as Kalikasan Aking Bikolnon, APPEND, TUCP, ABONO, Magdalo and Barangay Health Workers (BHW) Party List has committed to back Sen. Bam’s re-election bid.

 “Nagpapasalamat tayo sa pagbuhos ng suporta mula sa iba’t ibang grupo bilang pagkilala sa ating mga nagawa sa ating unang termino sa Senado,” said Sen. Bam.

“Napakahalaga ng kanilang tulong upang mabigyan tayo ng pagkakataong makabalik para sa ikalawang termino kung saan tututukan natin ang paglikha ng trabaho,” he added.

If he wins a second term, Sen. Bam has committed to work for the passage of his Trabaho Center Bill, which will help solve the problem of jobs mismatch and high unemployment rate in the country.

The measure seeks to establish Trabaho Centers or job placement offices in public high schools and state universities and colleges (SUCs). The Trabaho Center will provide services such as Industry matching, career counseling, and employment facilitation.

“Sa tulong ng Trabaho Centers, pagtatagpuin ang mga kompanya na naghahanap ng trabaho at mga estudyanteng naghahanap ng trabaho,” said Sen. Bam, adding that it is the next best necessary reform after the Free College Law, which he passed as principal sponsor during his time as chairman of the Committee on Education.

Major transport group endorses Sen. Bam’s re-election bid

A major transport organization in the country has named re-electionist Sen. Bam Aquino as its lone senatorial candidate to support in the May 13 elections.

During its Monday’s meeting, the Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations (ACTO), led by its national president Efren De Luna, formally announced the group’s full support behind Sen. Bam.

“Sa Mayo a-trese, wala po tayong ibang ilalagay kundi Bam Aquino, ibalik sa Senado,” said De Luna as he and other ACTO officials raised the hands of Sen. Bam to make the group’s endorsement official.

“Sa pamamagitan ni Sen. Bam Aquino, palaging bukas ang Senado para iparating ang ating mga problema,” added De Luna.

According to De Luna, Sen. Bam’s endorsement was approved by around 475,000 ACTO officials and members nationwide from different modes of transportation.

In his speech, Sen. Bam thanked ACTO officials and members for their trust, saying the group’s support will serve as huge boost in his bid for a second term.

“Malaking tulong ang suportang ito ng ACTO para maipagpatuloy natin ang ating partnership sa Senado,” said Sen. Bam, assuring that he will continue to serve as the transport sector’s voice in the Upper Chamber.

Sen. Bam filed a public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization bill with the support of ACTO, National Confederation of Transport Union (NCTU), Sentro, 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.

“Kung gusto talaga natin ng modernisasyon, dapat makatarungan ito at abot-kaya para sa ating mga driver para hindi sila mawalan ng kabuhayan,” said Sen. Bam during his speech.

“Hindi dapat maapektuhan ang ating mga kabuhayan ng mga polisiya na hindi naman pinag-aralan nang husto. Naririto ako para bantayan at protektahan ang inyong hanapbuhay sa Senado,” he added.

Before the event, Sen. Bam joined pedicab, tricycle, and motorbike riders in a short walk to the venue.

Earlier, the NCTU also expressed full support behind the re-election bid of Sen. Bam, whom they consider as a dependable ally against the government’s oppressive modernization plan.

Sen. Bam welcomes top Catholic official’s backing for PCM bets

Re-electionist Sen. Bam Aquino welcomed the call of Manila Auxilliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo to the lay faithful to campaign for the senatorial candidates selected by the People’s Choice Movement (PCM).


“Ang simbahan ang konsensiya ng bayan, sana ay dinggin ng ating mga kababayan ang kanilang gabay,” said Sen. Bam, who topped the PCM’s list of 10 senatorial candidates that it will support and campaign for.


In a Facebook post, Bishop Pabillo lauded the PCM, composed of Catholic, Evangelical and Protestant groups, initiative to organize itself and discerned together the best senatorial candidates in the May elections.


Around 130 representatives from the different religious organizations selected the 10 candidates based on their character and honor, competence and abilities, faithfulness to public service and faithfulness to God, the Constitution and the laws.


After the PCM came out with its selection, Bishop Pabillo stressed that the task for all the lay faithful to campaign the deserving candidates so as to counter the money and the political machineries that the TRAPO politicians are using. 


“There are still two months for all to do this particular exercise of the Christian faith,” said Bishop Pabillo.


Aside from Sen. Bam, human rights lawyer Chel Diokno, former solicitor general Pilo Hilbay, former congressmen. Erin Tanada and Neri Colmenares, civic leader Samira Gutoc, election lawyer Romulo Macalintal, Cong. Gary Alejano, former Sen. Mar Roxas and Sen. Sen. Grace Poe also made it to the list.


“Napakalaking bagay ng pagkilala at tiwala ng mga taong simbahan kaya taos-puso po akong nagpapasalamat,” said Sen. Bam, who garnered 120 votes during the selection process.


“Bilang Kristiyano, nagbibigay inspirasyon at pag-asa ang pagkapili nila sa amin lalo na dumaan ito sa matinding pagsusuri at pagninilay,” he added.

Sen. Bam: Debate best platform to enlighten voters, combat fake news and black propaganda

As a constant subject of fake news and black propaganda, Sen. Bam Aquino stressed that a debate would be a perfect stage to inform voters about candidates’ accomplishments and their platform and plans for the country.

Also, Sen. Bam said the debate will be an opportunity for him to address the fake news and other black propaganda being thrown at him online.

“Maganda itong paraan upang masagot natin ang lahat ng mga ibinabatong fake news at mga paninira sa atin sa social media,” said Sen. Bam, who is running for re-election under the Otso Diretso slate.

Sen. Bam and other Otso Diretso bets asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to arrange a debate with the administration bets, but the poll body turned down their request.

“Sana payagan na lang na ang mga kandidato na magdebate, iyong kandidato ang magpalitan ng talakayan para makita ng taumbayan, ma-compare ano ba ang mga plataporma namin,” said Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam also shrugged off President Duterte’s criticisms against him and other Otso Diretso bets, saying it is part of the political process.

“Ganyan naman po iyan, that’s normal in any electoral process. May mga manok siya, may mga oposisyon. Pero sa kadulu-duluhan ng lahat, ang taumbayan naman ang pipili,” said Sen. Bam.

However, Sen. Bam maintained that the voters should elect candidates who will fight for their welfare and protect their rights.

“Dapat piliin ng taumbayan ang mga kandidato na kampi sa kanila, na magtatrabaho para sa kanila at walang ibang boss kundi sila,” said Sen. Bam.

“Ihalal natin ang mga kandidatong hindi mangungurakot, hindi pahirap, hindi sunod-sunuran lamang, at higit sa lahat kampi sa mga mamamayan,” the senator added.

Sen. Drilon to fellow Ilonggos: Make Sen. Bam No. 1 senator in Iloilo City

Sen. Bam Aquino’s re-election bid in the May elections received a major boost after he was endorsed by Minority Floor Leader Franklin Drilon in his hometown of Iloilo City.

In a rally in Iloilo City on Wednesday, Drilon called on his fellow Ilonggos to make Sen. Bam their No. 1 senator in the upcoming polls.

“Dapat No. 1 si Bam dito sa city. Iyan ang hinihiling ni Sen. Drilon sa inyo dito. Dahil makakatulong siya sa kapakanan ng mga Ilonggo,” Drilon told the crowd at the North Fundidor Gym in Molo.

“He’s one of the brightest Senators I’ve worked with. He’s sincere. He’s a man who is sincerely concerned for our welfare- especially sa future ng kabataan,” added Drilon, saying Sen. Bam is the first senatorial candidate in the May elections that he’s endorsed.

Drilon described Sen. Bam and the Aquino family as a dependable ally in the development of the province of Iloilo, citing some projects that were funded during the previous administration.

“Sa aking pananaw, ang ating city kailangan pa ng tulong. Kailangan ko si Bam. Kasi 24 kami. Kung ako lang, mahihirapan ako. Kailangan ko ng maaasahan sa Senado. At si Senator Bam ay maaasahan,” Drilon emphasized.

Drilon also laid down Sen. Bam’s legislative accomplishments, saying he pushed for the passage of several important laws that focus on the welfare of the Filipino people, including the free college law that is being enjoyed by thousands of Ilonggo students.

In a separate interview, Sen. Bam thanked Sen. Drilon for his overwhelming support for his candidacy.

“Napakalaking bagay ng endorsement ni Sen. Drilon dito sa Iloilo. Mahal na mahal sya at nirerespeto ng mga Ilonggo,” said Sen. Bam, who has 40 laws to his name in his almost six years as senator.

Sen. Bam: Only an independent Senate can push country forward, protect its citizens

Only an independent Senate that is not beholden to anyone will push the country forward as it will work for the interest of the Filipino people, Sen. Bam Aquino stressed.

“Kung ang Senado ay sunud-sunuran lamang sa kagustuhan ng administrasyon, walang pipigil sa mga polisiya na nagnanais taasan ang buwis ng mga mamamayan, mga batas na nagpapataas ng presyo ng mga bilihin,” said Sen. Bam, who is running for re-election under the Otso Diretso coalition.

 Sen. Bam said an independent Senate will prevent the passage of any law that is detrimental to the welfare of the public, like the controversial Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law that burdens the Filipino people with high prices of food and other goods.

An independent Senate also ensures check and balance between branches of government and serves as watchdog against corruption, guaranteeing that those involved in anomalies will be punished.

“Ang isang independent Senate ay magbabantay laban sa mga magnanakaw sa pamahalaan at maniniguro na ang mga ito’y mapaparusahan,” stressed Sen. Bam.

An independent Senate will also guarantee that the will of the people is being followed, and not just serve as a rubber stamp of the administration.

 “Napakahalaga ang ibang boses sa Senado dahil ito ang maninigurado na ang sinusunod ay di lang ang kagustuhan ng administrasyon kundi ang kagustuhan ng taumbayan,” said Sen. Bam.

Also, attempts to change the 1987 Constitution to remove term limits of elected officials and change the system of government to fit their political agenda will have no chance under an independent Senate.

 Sen. Bam stressed that an independent Senate can be achieved by selecting candidates that will work for the welfare of the people and not serve the interest of the administration.

“Sa darating na Mayo, kilatisin nating maigi ang mga kandidato para matiyak na sila’y magsisilbi para sa interes ng bayan at hindi para sa kapritso ng administasyon,” said Sen. Bam.

In his almost six years as senator, Sen. Bam has 40 laws to his name, including the landmark Free College Law that he pushed as principal sponsor during his time as chairman of the Committee on Education.

Mother of Sen. Bam reveals secret advice to son

The mother of Sen. Bam Aquino revealed the secret campaign advice that she has given her son for almost 40 years.

According to the 74-year-old Melanie Aquino, the secret language of encouragement that she has always told Sen. Bam, especially when the going gets tough, is “Day one– Unang araw! Bagong araw!”

“Makaraan ang halos 40 taon, ito pa rin ang payo ko kay Bam, ang bawat araw ay bagong simula, tuloy ang laban,” she stressed during the inauguration of Sen. Bam’s volunteer headquarters in Katipunan, Quezon City.

Melanie is no stranger to politics as she accompanied Sen. Bam, who was six years old then, to different opposition rallies where he was invited as speaker.

“Anim na taon pa lang si Bam, volunteer na ako sa kanyang pangangampanya para sa demokrasya,” said Melanie.

“Kapag mahirap ang laban, sinasabi ko sa kanya anak, isipin mo unang araw ngayon. Ito ang unang araw para sa bagong sigla, bagong sikap, bagong tapang at bagong lakas,” she added.

Melanie acknowledged that this campaign will be an uphill climb for his son due to the black propaganda and fake news propagated by his online critics, but she encouraged her son to continue the fight.

“Noon, mahirap ang laban para sa demokrasya. Ngayon, mahirap pa rin ang laban dahil sa tindi ng mga paninira at kasinungalingan,” said Melanie.

Sen. Bam on the latest Pulse Asia senatorial survey

Dahil sa inyong patuloy na tiwala at suporta ang pananatili ko sa Magic 12 ng Pulse Asia survey.

Magsisilbi itong napakalaking inspirasyon sa ating pag-iikot at pag-abot sa ating mga kababayan upang maipaalam sa kanila ang ating nagawa at patuloy pang gagawin sa Senado para sa kanilang kapakanan.

Mahaba pa ang ating laban at mahalaga ang bawat tulong na ating makukuha upang maipagpatuloy ang ating hangaring maiangat sa laylayan ang mahihirap nating kababayan.

Sen. Bam breaks into winning circle in Pulse Asia survey, stresses importance of people’s support

Sen. Bam Aquino welcomed his entry into the winning circle in the Pulse Asia survey even as he stressed the importance of the people’s support in his re-election bid in the 2019 elections.

Natutuwa tayo sa pag-angat natin sa Pulse Asia Survey subalit mahaba pa po ang laban,” said Sen. Bam, who placed 10th to 16th in survey conducted from Dec. 14 to 21 with 32.6 percent.

 “Bagkus mabigat ang laban na ating susuungin, buo ang tiwala ko na ito’y kakayanin sa tulong at suporta ng ating taumbayan,” added Sen. Bam, whose percentage improved from his September ranking of 18 to 23 spots with 20.1 percent.

 In a statement, Sen. Bam underscored the importance of the voters’ role in the 2019 elections, especially in scrutinizing the accomplishments and performance of candidates.

 “Mahalaga po ang suporta at papel ng bawat botante, bawat volunteer, bawat supporter sa labang ito, sa pagiging mapanuri sa mga nagawa ng mga kandidato at sa pagkukumbinsi sa iba pang naghahangad ng mga pagbabago sa ating liderato at lipunan,” Sen. Bam pointed out.

“Sa inyo pong tulong, maiaangat pa natin ang ating standing at sa gayon mapagpatuloy ang mga mahahalagang reporma sa edukasyon na kailangan ng ating bayan,” he added.

The lawmaker also called on his supporters to convince their loved ones to weigh the accomplishments of all senatorial candidates in the 2019 elections as the country’s future depends on it.

“Sa mga susunod pong mga linggo, kumbinsihin natin ang ating mga minamahal sa buhay na suriin ng mabuti ang bawat sa amin na naghahangad ng pwesto sa Senado,” said Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam has 35 laws to his name in his first term as senator, including the landmark free college law and the Go Negosyo Act, which has now established more than  1,000 Negosyo Centers in different parts of the country.

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