Youth Entrepreneurship Act

Sen. Bam to DepEd: Teach financial literacy in schools

The Department of Education has yet to roll out the law mandating financial literacy and entrepreneurial training in basic education.

“Two years have passed since the Youth Entrepreneurship Act was passed into law but there is still no movement in its implementation,” said Sen. Bam, the principal sponsor and co-author of Republic Act No. 10679 in the 16th Congress.

The law mandates that the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) be promulgated within one hundred twenty (120) days from its effectivity.

“We need to teach young Filipinos about money and savings as soon as possible. Financial literacy and basic training in business can help the next generation overcome poverty,” added Sen. Bam, an advocate for the empowerment of the Filipino youth.

The Youth Entrepreneurship Act or R.A. 10679 requires financial literacy to be included in our basic curriculum and encourages young would-be entrepreneurs to establish their own business.

“This can also help address unemployment as it gives students the know-how to start a business, an alternative to seeking employment,” added Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam also passed the Go Negosyo Act, establishing over 600 Negosyo Centers and counting across the Philippines to help our countrymen build a successful business as a source of livelihood.

The senator is also the principal sponsor of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, providing free tuition and miscellaneous fees in public universities and colleges.

Sen. Bam: Youth Entrepreneurship Act implementation long overdue

A legislator called on the Department of Education (DepEd) to implement the law encouraging students and graduates to venture into business.
 
“Nananawagan tayo sa Department of Education na ilabas na ang Implementing Rules and Regulations para sa Youth Entrepreneurship Act upang mapakinabangan na ng ating mga kabataan,” said Sen. Bam Aquino.
 
The Youth Entrepreneurship Act or Republic Act No. 10679 was passed August 2015 but no IRR has been released. The law mandates that the IRR be promulgated within one hundred twenty (120) days from its effectivity.
 
The law encourages young would-be entrepreneurs to establish their own business by providing them access to capital and other support.
 
It also creates financial literacy modules in all levels of Philippine education, to inculcate a culture of enterprise development among the Filipino youth.
 
“Gusto nating makakita ng trabaho ang ating mga graduates ngunit mayroon din silang opsiyon na pumasok at magtagumpay sa pagnenegosyo. Matutulungan sana ang ating kabataang magtagumpay sa negosyo kung ma-implement ng maayos ang iilang mga batas na ating isinulong noong 16th Congress,” said Sen. Bam.
 
Sen. Bam was the author and principal sponsor of the Go Negosyo Act (Republic Act 10667), his first law in the 16th Congress, and the co-author and principal sponsor of the Youth Entrepreneurship Act.
 
The senator pursued the passage of these two laws during his time as chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship in the 16th Congress to cater to the needs of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
 
“These two laws provide MSMEs a conducive environment they need to succeed. At the same time, they also help provide fresh jobs and other livelihood opportunities for their fellow Filipinos,” stressed Sen. Bam, adding that MSMEs account for 66 percent of jobs in the country.
 
At present, Sen. Bam said 470 Negosyo Centers are already up and running in different parts of the country, catering to the needs of MSMEs.
 
In the 17th Congress, Sen. Bam filed Senate Bill No. 169 or Small Business Tax Reform Act, which provides small businesses with lower income tax rate, VAT exemption and other privileges.
 
Sen. Bam has also submitted Senate Bill No. 175 or the Innovative Startup Act seeking to ease restrictions and provide incentives for startups in the Philippines.

Bam: Over 250 Negosyo Centers, Youth Entrepreneurship Act to help solve unemployment

Sen. Bam Aquino believes two of his laws in the 16th Congress — the Go Negosyo Act and the Youth Entrepreneurship Act – will help address the unemployment problem in the country through the development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

 “These two laws are aimed at generating fresh jobs and other livelihood opportunities by providing MSMEs with the right support to help them grow,” said Sen. Bam, chairman of the Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.

 “By giving MSMEs a conducive environment where they can succeed, confident that they can help generate fresh jobs and other livelihood opportunities for Filipinos,” he added.

 Trade Secretary Mon Lopez, for his part, said the agency will be giving an extra push in creating more entrepreneurs and registering more enterprises that will employ more Filipinos.

 The DTI will also focus on helping MSMEs on many aspects, in terms of money and market access, according to Lopez.

 Sen. Bam was the author and principal sponsor of the Go Negosyo Act (Republic Act 10667), his first law in the 16th Congress, and the co-author and principal sponsor of the Youth Entrepreneurship Act (Republic Act No. 10679).

 Sen. Bam’s pronouncement came after a Social Weather Stations (SWS) revealed that some 11 million adults were without work in the first quarter of 2016, about two million more than the previous quarter.

 The SWS first quarter poll pegged the joblessness rate at 23.9 percent, compared to 2015’s fourth quarter rate of 21.4 percent or equivalent to 9.1 million adults unemployed. It was also the highest since 2014’s fourth quarter rate of 27 percent.

 At present, Sen. Bam said 252 Negosyo Centers are already up and running, catering to the needs of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in different parts of the country.

 The Youth Entrepreneurship Act, for its part, encourages young would-be entrepreneurs to establish their own business by providing them access to capital and other support.

 The law creates financial literacy modules in all levels of Philippine education, to inculcate a culture of enterprise development among the Filipino youth.

 Aside from the Go Negosyo Act and the Youth Entrepreneurship Act, Sen. Bam also worked for the passage of other MSME-related laws such as Philippine Competition Act, Microfinance NGOs Act, Credit Surety Act and the Foreign Ships Co-Loading Act or Amendments to the Cabotage Policy.

 In the 17th Congress, Sen. Bam has already filed the Senate Bill No. 169 or Small Business Tax Reform Act, which provides small businesses with lower income tax rate, VAT exemption and other privileges.

 Sen. Bam has also submitted Senate Bill No. 170 or Trabaho Center in Schools Bill to create a job placement office or Trabaho Center to assist Senior High School graduates who opt to find employment and help them find those opportunities.

P-Noy Signs Youth Entrepreneurship Act into Law, Boosts Fight Against Unemployment

President Aquino has signed the Youth Entrepreneurship Act into law, strengthening the government’s push to address the growing number of unemployed young people in the country.

 The Youth Entrepreneurship Act, now known as Republic Act No. 10679, was approved by the Chief Executive last August 27, 2015.

“Now that it has become a law, the government now has an additional means to address and combat the growing number of jobless youths,” said Sen. Bam Aquino, author and prinicipal sponsor of the Youth Entrepreneurship Act.

“This law will open more opportunities for the youth to become more productive citizens of the country through entrepreneurial means,” added Sen. Bam, chairman of the Committee on Youth, and Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.

The Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA) said that there are around 1.32 million unemployed youth, with ages ranging from 15 to 24 years old as of January 2015.

The measure creates financial literacy modules in all levels of Philippine education, to inculcate a culture of enterprise development among the Filipino youth.

“This Act will help revolutionize our mindset as a people from wanting to be an employee of a company to being a boss of our own enterprise,” Sen. Bam stressed.

The Act also provides would-be youth entrepreneurs access to financing, training, market linkages, and other means of support that will help them run and develop their own business.

With the approval of the Youth Entrepreneurship Act, Sen. Bam now has five laws to his credit in two years.

The neophyte senator principally sponsored and co-authored the Philippine Competition Act or Republic Act 10667. He also principally sponsored the Foreign Ships Co-Loading Act or Republic Act 10668.

Last year, the President approved the Go Negosyo Act, which was principally authored and sponsored by Sen. Bam, and the Philippine Lemon Law.

In addition to his laws, Sen. Bam has initiated investigation into the slow and expensive Internet in the country and the congestion that hounded Port of Manila early this year.  It was resolved and operations went to normal capacity early this year.

Moreover, Sen. Bam has filed resolutions to investigate the Bureau of Customs’ controversial policy on balikbayan boxes and look into possible means to alleviate the Metro Manila traffic problem.

Four Laws in Two Years for Bam

Four laws in two years.

These were just some of the accomplishments of Sen. Bam Aquino, the youngest senator in the 16th Congress, during his first two years in office.

Included in the four laws authored, co-authored and principally sponsored by Sen. Bam is the landmark Philippine Competition Act or Republic Act 10667, which was passed under his watch as chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship, after it gathered dust in the legislative mill for almost 25 years.

Recently signed into law by President Aquino, the Philippine Competition Act will level playing field for all businesses by penalizing anti-competitive agreements and abuses of dominant players, aside from eliminating cartels that control supply and prices of goods in the market.

Aside from the Philippine Competition Act, the Foreign Ships Co-Loading Act was also signed into law by the Chief Executive.

The Foreign Ships Co-Loading Act or Republic Act 10668 will allow foreign ships carrying imported cargoes and cargoes to be exported out of the country to dock in multiple ports.

The law aims to reduce logistics costs for producers, create a more efficient import and export system, and lead to lower prices for consumers.  It will also help in decongesting the major ports in the country.

Last year, the Go Negosyo Act and the Philippine Lemon Law were signed into law by President Aquino.

Sen. Bam’s campaign promises of spurring jobs and enterprise development, levelling the playing field, and ease of dong business were further fulfilled with these macro economic reforms together with the establishment of Negosyo Centers all over the country through the Go Negosyo Act.

“Just as we promised, we have worked tirelessly for the passage of these measures that will create jobs and livelihood for fellow Filipinos and a better business climate for our micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs),” said Sen. Bam.

In addition, the President is also expected to sign the Youth Entrepreneurship Act soon.

The Youth Entrepreneurship Act, co-authored and principally sponsored by Sen. Bam, is touted to be an effective tool to solve the growing number of jobless youths in the country, which currently stands at 1.32 million.

The enactment of this into law will make Sen. Bam’s portfolio of laws to five in two years.

“Hindi mahalaga ang edad, kung bagito ka man o beterano sa posisyon natin. Ang mahalaga, kailangang nagtatrabaho tayo para sa kapakanan ng sambayanan na siyang naglagay sa atin sa trabahong ito,” added Sen. Bam.

Moreover, the Responsive, Empowered, Service-Centric Youth Act, which aims to institutionalize youth participation in disaster risk and reduction planning, was passed on third reading.

He was also able to file a committee report on the Mircofinance NGOs Act, which aims to empower the sector that provides microfinancing services to micro businesses.

Aside from his legislative work, Sen. Bam also initiated an investigation into the country’s expensive and slow Internet connection.

The investigation has produced several victories that will help improve the country’s Internet service. It encouraged telecommunication companies to embrace IP peering with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) while the Department of Justice (DOJ) has released guidelines against deceptive or misleading Internet print, TV and radio advertisements.

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), for its part, is also expected to craft a memorandum circular that will set the quality of standards for all telecommunication companies to follow, be it broadband or DSL.

Sen. Bam also looked into the port congestion that hounded the Port of Manila early this year. After several hearings, port operations went back to normal, with utilization rate now between 70 to 80 percent.

Lastly, Sen. Bam worked together with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), local governments, the academe, business clubs and other private groups in the establishment of Negosyo Centers that will assist small businesses.

Through the Go Negosyo Act, the Negosyo Centers aim to provide ease of doing business, access to business training & education, development services and financing for the growth of MSMEs.

As of this month, 61 Negosyo Centers have been established and 50 more are expected to be put up by the end of the year.

Bida Ka!: Ulat sa mga Bida

Mga Bida, noong unang araw ng Hulyo ay nakadalawang taon na tayo sa Senado. Sa panahong ito, dumaan tayo sa maraming hamon at pagsubok habang ginagampa­nan ang tungkuling ibinigay ninyo sa akin bilang isang mambabatas.

Pumasok tayo sa Senado sa panahong batbat ito ng kontrobersiya, tulad ng pork barrel scam ni Janet Lim Napoles. Sa unang taon natin, bagsak ang Senado sa mata ng taumbayan dahil sa kontrobersiya sa PDAF at iba pang isyu ng katiwalian.

Sa kabila nito, hindi tayo nawalan ng pag-asa na muling babalik ang tiwala ng taumbayan sa aming mga mambabatas basta’t tuluy-tuloy lang ang ating pagtatrabaho para sa kapa­kanan ng mas nakararaming Pilipino.

Kaya itinuon natin ang pansin sa pagtupad sa mga pangako natin noong kampanya na trabaho, negosyo at edukasyon. Ipinursige natin ang pagpasa sa ilang mahahalagang batas na makatutulong upang ito’y maging katuparan.

Ngayong papasok na tayo sa ikatlong taon sa ating termino, nais nating ibahagi sa inyo, mga Bida, ang ating nagawa noong huling dalawang taon sa Senado.

Apat na batas kung saan tayo ang may-akda, co-author o ‘di kaya’y principal sponsor ang naisabatas sa loob ng dalawang taon.

***

Noong nakaraang taon, naisabatas ang Go Negosyo Act kung saan itinatakda ang paglalagay ng Negosyo Center sa lahat ng munisipalidad, siyudad at lalawigan sa buong Pilipinas.

Sa Go Negosyo Act, nabigyang katuparan ang ating pa­ngako na tututukan natin ang paglikha ng trabaho at pangkabuhayan, pagpapalago ng maliliit na negosyo at pagsasaayos ng mga sistemang magpapadali sa pagnenegosyo.

Inaprubahan din ng Pangulo ang Philippine Lemon Law, na nagbibigay proteksyon sa mga bumibili laban sa mga depektibong kotse.

***

Ngayong taon, nais nating ibalita na napirmahan na ng Pangulo ang Philippine Competition Act, ang batas na magbibigay ng pantay na pagkakataong lumago sa lahat ng negosyo sa bansa.

Parurusahan nito ang anumang anti-competitive agreements at pang-aabuso ng malalaking kumpanya, at buburahin ang mga kartel na kumokontrol sa supply at presyo ng bilihin sa merkado.

Lubos kong ipinagmamalaki ang nasabing batas dahil naipasa ito sa ating panahon bilang chairman ng Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship matapos mabimbin ng 25 taon sa Kongreso.

Naaprubahan na rin ng Pangulo ang Foreign Ships Co-Loading Act, kung saan papayagan na ang mga dayuhang barko na may dalang imported cargo o ‘di kaya’y cargo na nakatakdang ipadala sa ibang bansa, na dumaong sa iba’t ibang pantalan sa Pilipinas.

Sa batas na ito, bababa ang gastos sa pagpapadala, mas magiging maayos ang sistema ng import at export ng bansa at bababa ang presyo ng mga bilihin. Makatutulong din ang batas para paluwagin ang malalaking pantalan sa bansa.

Maliban sa dalawang batas na ito, naghihintay na lang ng pirma ng Pangulo ang Youth Entrepreneurship Act, na magandang sandata upang labanan ang lumalaking bilang ng kabataang walang trabaho sa bansa, na nasa 1.32 milyong kabataan.

Nakalusot na rin sa ikatlong pagbasa ang Responsive, Empowered, Service-Centric Youth Act, na layong patibayin ang partisipasyon ng mga kabataan sa pagpaplano sa mga sakuna at trahedyang dumarating sa ating bansa.

Nakapaghain na rin tayo ng committee report sa Microfinance NGOs Act, na layong palakasin ang sektor na nagbibi­gay ng mga pautang at iba pang tulong sa mga negosyo para sa maliliit na negosyante.

***

Hindi lang paggawa ng batas ang ating tinutukan noong nakaraang taon kundi ang pag-iimbestiga sa ilang mahaha­lagang isyu, tulad ng mabagal at mahal na Internet sa bansa.

Sa isang taon nating pag-iimbestiga, nahikayat natin ang mga telcos na tanggapin ang IP peering ng Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Naglabas na rin ang Department of Justice (DOJ) ng panuntunan laban sa mapanlinlang na Internet print, TV at radio advertisements.

Anumang araw mula ngayon, ilalabas na rin ng National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) ang memorandum circular na magtatakda sa kalidad ng standards na susundin ng lahat ng telcos, maging broadband o DSL.

Inimbestigahan din natin ang pagsisikip sa pantalan ng Maynila sa pagsisimula ng taon. Matapos ang ilang pagdinig, nanumbalik na sa normal ang operasyon nila.

Panghuli, nakipagtulungan din tayo sa Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), mga lokal na pamahalaan, eskuwelahan, mga business clubs at iba pang pribadong grupo para itayo ang mga Negosyo Centers na tutulong sa maliliit na negosyante.

Ayon sa batas nating Go Negosyo Act, papada­liin ng mga Negosyo Centers ang pakikipagtran­saksyon sa pamahalaan ng mga negosyo, magbibigay ito ng kaukulang abiso, training at serbisyo para lalo pang mapalago ang ating mga pinapangarap na k­abuhayan.

Mayroon na tayong naitayong 61 Negosyo Centers sa buong bansa pagkatapos ng kalahating taon at magbubukas pa ng mahigit 50 sa pagtatapos ng taon.

Mga Bida, patuloy kaming nagpapasalamat sa walang-sawang suporta ninyo sa aming opisina. Sa kabila ng mga naabot natin sa ikalawang taon, hindi pa rin tayo titigil sa pagtatrabaho upang lalo pang mapaangat ang kalagayan ng ating mga kababayan at ng buong bansa!

 

First Published on Abante Online

 

 

P-Noy to Sign Landmark PH Competition Act and Amendments to Cabotage Policy into Laws

Two important, historic, game-changing bills to continue pushing the country’s progress and inclusive economic growth will be signed into laws by the President tomorrow.

In a ceremonial signing in the Malacanang Palace tomorrow, July 21, Tuesday, at 10 am, President Aquino will approve the landmark Philippine Competition Act, giving the country its own law that will level playing field for all businesses by penalizing anti-competitive agreements and abuses of dominant players.

The Chief Executive is also expected to sign into law the Foreign Ships Co-Loading Act, which will now allow foreign ships carrying imported cargoes and cargoes to be exported out of the country to dock in multiple ports.

The Philippine Competition Act is considered the longest-running measure in Congress, taking 25 years before hurdling the legislative mill.

“The Philippine Competition Act will usher in a new era of doing business in the country,” said Sen. Bam, co-author and principal sponsor of the measure.

Under the law, a Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) will be established with the Chief Executive appointing a chairperson, four commissioners and an executive director.

“Businesses, whether big or small, will now be on equal footing as the law penalizes anti-competitive agreements and abuses of dominant players,” stressed Sen. Bam, adding that cartels will also be eliminated under the law.

As an independent quasi-judicial body, the PCC will look into anti-competitive behaviors, abuses in dominant positions, and anti-competitive mergers and acquisitions.

“This will lead to an efficient market economy and a level playing field for all businesses,” added Sen. Bam, chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.

The PCC can impose administrative penalties of a maximum fine of P100 million on the first offense and P250 million for the second offense for anti-competitive agreements and abuses of dominant position.

Moreover, courts can impose criminal penalties of imprisonment from two to seven years and a maximum penalty of P250 million for anti-competitive agreements done between and among competitors.  The imprisonment will be imposed to responsible officers and directors of the entity.

Aside from the Philippine Competition Act, the Chief Executive will also sign into law the Foreign Ships Co-Loading Act, another measure sponsored by Sen. Bam.

The Foreign Ships Co-Loading Act will reduce logistics costs for producers, create a more efficient import and export system, and lead to lower prices for consumers.  The law will also help in decongesting the major ports in the country.

With the approval of his two measures, Sen. Bam will have four laws to his credit. Last year, the President approved the Go Negosyo Act and the Philippine Lemon Law.

In addition, the President is also expected to sign the Youth Entrepreneurship Act soon.

The Youth Entrepreneurship Act, co-authored and principally sponsored by Sen. Bam, is touted to be an effective tool to solve the growing number of jobless youths in the country, which currently stands at 1.32 million.

Financial literacy and entrepreneurship courses will now be included in all levels of education to build an entrepreneurship culture among Filipinos.  A youth entrepreneurship fund shall also be made available to cater to youth entrepreneurs in the country.

Sen. Bam’s campaign promises of spurring jobs and enterprise development, levelling the playing field, and ease of dong business were further fulfilled with these macro economic reforms together with the establishment of Negosyo Centers all over the country through the Go Negosyo Act.

Congress Ratifies Youth Entrepreneurship Act

Both houses of Congress have ratified the Youth Entrepreneurship Act, seen as an effective tool to address the growing number of jobless young people in the country, which currently stands at 1.32 million.

“With its imminent passage into law, the government can now meet the challenges of youth unemployment head on,” said Sen. Bam Aquino, chairman of the Committee on Youth, and Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.

“The passage of this law only shows that the government is serious in addressing youth unemployment, which I consider as a growing epidemic that should be looked into immediately,” added the senator.

In their latest report, the Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA) and National Statistics Office (NSO) said that there are 1.32 million youth from ages 15 to 24 years old as of January 2015.

“This is unacceptable because we have a lot of promising youth whose talents are going down the drain because of lack of employment and entrepreneurial opportunities,” said Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam said that European countries have provided billions of Euros worth of loans for the youth to help them start their own businesses.

The measure aims to change the public school curriculum and paradigm, as it creates financial literacy modules in all levels of Philippine education, to inclucate a culture of enterprise development among the Filipino youth.

“This Act has the potential to revolutionize our mindset as a people from wanting to be an employee of a company to being a boss of their own enterprise,” Sen. Bam emphasized.

The Act also provides would-be youth entrepreneurs access to financing, training, market linkages, and other means of support that will help them run and develop their own business.

Regaining public trust

The major slump in trust and sincerity ratings experienced by the Senate during the corruption scandals last year makes Senate President Franklin Drilon’s current standing as one of the most trusted government officials a legitimate cause for celebration.

The latest Pulse Asia surveys put Senate President Franklin Drilon in the top three most trusted government officials in the Philippines.

In a recent interview, he attributed this turnaround to the hard work of the Philippine Senate – senators and their staff who have been working assiduously since the PDAF scandal last year.

Once, during the height of the scandal, young leaders visiting the Senate asked me, “How can the Senate regain the trust and faith of the nation?”

My answer was, “The only way to regain the trust of our fellow Filipinos was to work hard and provide policies that will benefit the majority of Filipinos.”

On our second year in the Philippine Senate, we were able to successfully push for three major bills that have now been ratified and are awaiting the President’s signature.

One measure is the Youth Entrepreneurship Act, which incorporates financial literacy training and entrepreneurial courses in the curriculum of elementary, secondary, and tertiary schools across the country and gives promising young Filipinos access to grants and financing, mentoring, and training on enterprise development.

Furthermore, a youth entrepreneurship fund shall be made to cater to youth entrepreneurs in the country.

Training in financial literacy and entrepreneurship can equip students with the mindset and the skills to start businesses, which would have them create more jobs instead of compete for them.

This is a means to reduce the alarming number of unemployed youth, reported to be at 1.32 million as of January this year.

A second major policy awaiting the President’s signature is the Foreign Ships Co-Loading Act.

Finally, foreign vessels will no longer be limited to one port in the country and shall be allowed to pick up cargoes to be exported or drop off foreign cargoes for import in various ports around the Philippine islands.

This rudimentary amendment hopefully drives down shipping and logistics costs ultimately shouldered by consumers like you and me.

That drop in shipping expense can be used by our Filipino entrepreneurs to improve the quality of their products, expand their services, innovate, and bring prices down.

At the end of the day, it is the Filipino consumer who reaps the benefits of the Foreign Ships Co-Loading Act.

The third and biggest win for our team is the Philippine Competition Act, a measure that also benefits both consumers and business owners alike.

Three decades in the making, the Philippine Competition Act has finally been ratified and, hopefully, will be signed into law in the next few months.

The last country from the ASEAN-5 to establish a competition law, our country will finally have a judicious policy that penalizes cartels, abuse of dominant positions and anti-competitive agreements.

Once enacted into law, this measure will create a level playing field for all businesses, start-ups, micro, small, medium, and even large businesses.

With more products and services to choose from, companies will be forced to improve product quality and, at the same time, drive prices lower.

These three policies will improve financial literacy among Filipinos, cultivate a culture of entrepreneurship, and ensure a stable, fair, and healthy business environment for all businesses.

We worked tirelessly to move these measures forward in the hopes of ushering in an era of inclusive economic growth, an era where no Filipino is left behind.

Hopefully, these three new policies will continue the momentum of regaining trust in our institution; trust we should continue to build in the next administration and beyond.

 

First Published on Manila Bulletin

Bam on 2016 Presidentiables, Anti-Discrimination & Philippine Competition

Mini Press Conference, 23 June 2015

 

On the Philippine Competition, Foreign Ships Co-Loading  and Youth Entrepreneurship Acts

“Mayroon tayong tatlong batas na na-sponsor at na-author na handa na for signing ni Presidente. And we’re hoping bago po yung SONA mapirmahan po ito. Iyong una po diyan at pinakamahalaga ay ang Philippine Competition Act na siyang longest running bill ngayon po sa ating Kongreso.  More than 25 years na po itong naghihintay na maipasa. 

This will finally prohibit cartels, abuses of dominant position tsaka anti-competitive agreements, lahat ng mga nang-aabuso sa ating merkado, nagpapataas ng bilihin ng presyo ng ating mga bilihin. 

Iyong pangalawa po riyan ay ang pagpayag na pumasok po iyong ating foreign ships handling import and export cargos sa iba’t-ibang mga port sa ating bansa.  Isa rin ho itong mahalagang batas dahil pagginawa ho natin ‘to, bababa rin po yung costs ng logistics sa Pilipinas.  Alam ho natin na iyong presyo po ng bilihin natin, malaking porsyento po niyan nasa logistics costs so hopefully bababa rin po yung presyo ng ating bilihin sa batas na iyan.

Iyong pangatlo naman ay ang Youth Entrepreneurship Act at isa po itong malapit na malapit sa aking puso. Alam ho natin na marami pong kabataan ang walang trabaho at nahihirapan po na makipag-engage sa negosyo, so this act will, hopefully, will address youth unemployment sa ating bansa

So we’re hoping po na itong tatlong napakahalagang batas na siya pong sinulong po natin will be signed before the SONA at maging batas na po ito pagdating po ng taong ito.”

Q: Sir, iyong Philippine Competition Act, gaano po katagal sir yung bill na ‘to?

“Well, alam ninyo ‘no naging contentious po ito kasi ito po yung lumalaban sa mga monopolyo, sa mga abuso na malalaking kumpanya at sa mga anti-competitive agreement.

So throughout the years, there’s been a strong lobby against this bill, but this time talagang nakita naman po natin na nagtulungan iyong Kongreso at Senado, and finally we have this landmark bill passed in 2015.”

Q: Sir, how will it affect status quo like the current state of the industry in the Philippines?

“Unang-una iyong mga cartels natin.  Recently, iyong onion and garlic cartels na nakita natin na nag-manipulate ng presyo at nagtaasan po.  Finally may batas na nagsasabi na iyong ginagawa po nila ay siyang mali talaga at pwede silang makulong sa pagmamanipula ng mga presyo ng bilihin.

Pangawala, the Philippine Competition Commission, which will be created through this Act, can look at different industries and puwedeng magbigay ng mga suggestions o reforms, kung paano mas magiging competitive iyong mga industries na ito.”

Q: Sir how will you prove?

“Mayroon namang case law diyan throughout the rest of the world, and that’s already a standard sa ibang mga bansa. In fact, if you look at our neighboring countries, marami sa kanila mayroon nang competition policy.

Europe and the US, mayroon na sila niyan for the past 50, 60, 70 years. So there is already case law na pwedeng tumulong sa ating Philippine Competition Commission para ma-prove kung ano po iyong manipulated prices or ano yung cartel-like behavior.

Marami naman pong examples sa buong mundo. But I think yung mahalaga is that finally, we have a body na puwedeng tumingin sa isang industriya at sabihin, kulang iyong kumpetisyon diyan or hindi fair.

 Kailangan iyong mga penalties or kailangan ng mga bagong reporma sa mga industriyang iyan para mas maging patas yung laban para sa ating mga negosyante.”

Q: Off-hand, ano yung mga industries na ito? Mayroon ba kayong in mind? 

“Well the cartels I think are quite clear, na sa maraming agricultural products kitang-kita na may nagmamanipulate ng prices natin.

In the past couple of weeks some people have pointed to industries na kulang ang competition like the telecommunications industry for example where we only have two major players.

The Philippine Competition Commission can actually look at that industry and say, “Kailangan ng mas maraming kompetisyon diyan, kailangan mas healthy iyong ating markets para mas maraming pinagpipilian iyong ating mamamayan.”

So it affects all industries. At kung ang isang industriya natin healthy ang competition, you will see that prices will go down and quality goes up.”

Q: Paano nangyari na nakalampas kayo dun sa 25 years? I’m sure maraming naglo-lobby.

“Yeah, marami namang naglo-lobby but I think nalagpasan ito dahil the Speaker, the Senate President, and the President all really pointed to this bill as one of the priority measures.

Ang ekonomiya natin nag-mamature, nag-poprogress. Kailangan na natin ng ganitong klaseng mga patakaran, mga regulasyon, rules, rules of the game, para mas maging patas iyong laban para sa ating mga negosyante,.

We have the best economy in the ASEAN now pero wala tayong competition policy. So it’s one of those things na kung gusto talaga natin mag-modernize at mag-move forward as a country, isa ito sa mga batas na kailangan talaga natin.”

Q: Sir, may penalty yan under the admin?

“Yes, meron siyang administrative penalty which are your fines, and meron siyang criminal penalties also. So depende dun sa gawain ‘no, kung ito ay criminal in nature or just administrative.”

Q: Sinong mag-hehead, sir?

“Wala pa, kailangan i-appoint and siguro iyon ang susunod na babantayan pagkatapos itong pirmahan. We need to make sure na yung mga ma-aappoint sa Philippine Competition Commission ay mga taong may integridad, may kapasidad tsaka kaya talagang panindigan yung needs and desires of our consumers.”

Q: Sir, what happens to an industry, like Telco, for example? Paano palalawakin anng competition?

“We need to make sure that players can come in. Iyong pagpasok ng mga players depende yan sa regulation, sa rules, maybe even incentives, kung kinakailangan.

Looking at an industry and determining kung kulang iyong kumpetisyon will be the job of the commission. If they determine na kulang nga ang kumpetisyon, gagawa sila ng recommendations how to have that industry open up and allow more players to come in.”

Q: Sir, under the bill, bawal na yung mga no-players bibili ng big time kumpanya?

“May probisyon diyan about mergers. Kung ang merger ay makakabawas sa kumpetisyon sa merkado in a great way, in a substantial or unreasonable way, then pwedeng ipagbawal yung merger na iyon.”

Q: Sir, hindi po ba parang redundant na may trabaho na yung DTI tsaka SEC?

“Actually wala silang competion mandate. So the DTI is usually about consumer complaints, SEC naman is looking at the nature of your business. But specifically kumpetisyon, wala pa talagang body in the Philippines na naka-focus diyan.”

Q: Sir, saan papasok yung penalties sa mga cartel lang?

“Anti-competitive agreements, which kung cartel tayo we agree na itataas natin iyong presyo, hindi tayo maglalabas ng produkto. That’s prohibited and the abuses of dominant players.  Pag hindi mo pinapayagan iyong maliliit na pumasok, if you block them prior to entry, that can be fined also.”

On the Vice President’s Resignation

Q: Sir, yung resignation ni VP Binay do you think dapat sumunod narin yung ibang cabinet members na tatakbo?

“Iyong pag-resign nasasa iyo yan.  Hindi ko naman papangunahan iyong iba. In the case of Vice President Binay, I think its time has come for him to resign.

Kasi kung tutuusin naman he’s already been representing himself as the opposition, so palagay ko leading up to the elections next year, this is already something to be expected.”

On Sen. Grace Poe’s Plans

“You have to ask her kung ano ang magiging desisyon niya. As far as the party is concerned, we’re still undergoing the consultation period and trying to find out kung ano iyong mga best combination para sa ating bansa.

But right now, I think the choices of the party are all good choices, all people who want to continue the reforms and will be good for the country. Kung tungkol sa mga plano ni Grace, I think you should ask her.

The party owes it to the people to find the best and the brightest for the Filipino people.”

Q: Kahit outside the party?

“Yes, yes. We need to find the best and the brigthest for our people.

Mahalagang malaman natin kung  ano bang gagawin nila para sa ating bansa.  Lagi nating pinag-uusapan kung sino iyong okay, sino iyong hindi, sino iyong gusto nating iboto.

No one’s asking the question that hasn’t been asked. Hindi pa tinatanong: “Ano bang gagawin nila para sa ating bansa, ano bang plano nila?”  I mean whether it’s VP Binay, Sec. Roxas, or even si Sen. Poe.

No one’s been asking that question. Ako, tanggalin mo yung pagiging senador, bilang isang botante, iyon ang gusto kong malaman.

Ano bang gagawin nila para sa atin? What type of presidency will they provide for our people?”

On Sec. Mar Roxas

“Sec. Mar is the presumptive candidate of LP, pero palagay ko mahalaga rin na talagang tingnan, hanapin kung sino ba ang mga pinakamagagaling at pinakamabubuti.

Sino ba ang mga taong ito na kayang dalhin ang ating bansa to the next level? I think it’s just right that the party goes through this process. But I’m happy naman to say that na mga lumalabas na mga pangalan seem to all be the type who will really bring our country forward.”

On Anti-Discrimination

Q: Speaking of the laws, are you still willing on pursuing bills on anti-discrimination?

“We’ve been pushing for the anti-discrimination law. Matagal na naming tinutulak iyan. We’re hoping we can get more support for this bill.

This bill is not just on transgender, it actually includes religion, race, socio-economic standing, age – lahat ng mga posible maging dahilan kung bakit ka mag-didiscriminate sa iyong kababayan o sa mga ibang tao. 

We hope to make it outlawed at talagang prohibited na. Kasi sa palagay ko iyong kultura naman natin is one where we’re open, we’re tolerant, and we’re respectful of each other’s beliefs and each other’s lifestyle. 

Hopefully mapasa po natin ang batas na ito. Hindi ko siya napasa ngayong second year ko, maybe next year, with the support of the people we can have it passed.”

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