Month: February 2015

Transcript: Excerpts from Sen. Bam’s interview with PRIB media

Q: Iyon pong sinasabing nag-o-organize sila ngayon ng People Power?

Sen. Bam:  Of course, karapatan ng bawat Pilipino iyan. Iyan naman ang ipinaglaban natin noong 1986 na magkaroon ng demokrasya ang taumbayan. Lahat naman tayo libre na sabihin ang nasa loob ng ating puso.

In fact, most Filipinos do that now online. So kung iyan talaga ang pakay na magkaroon ng isang rally para i-voice out ang kanilang nasa saloobin, and that’s their right.

At the end of the day, we’re hoping na hindi na tayo magka-coup kasi ang isang coup, that would set us back by so many years. Ang arangkada ngayon  ng ating ekonomiya, sayang naman kung magkaka-kudeta tayo. Mas makakagulo pa.

I think right now, and ito rin iyong nasa isip ko habang nag-hi-hearing kami sa Senado, hanapin natin ang hustisya para sa ating kapatid na kapulisan. Let’s look for justice. Ilabas ang katotohanan, siguraduhin natin ang mga pamilya nila na naaalagaan and of course, iyong mga perpetrators and combatants, hulihin.

At the end of the day, iyon pa rin iyong nasabi ni Gen. Espina, iyong ang nasabi ni Gen. Napenas, na hinahanap nilang hustisya para sa namatay na kapulisan. I think, in the Senate, we’re doing our best to be able to achieve those objectives.

Q: Kailangan pa ba ng dagdag na hearing?

Sen. Bam: That’s up to the chairperson. But I think yung hearings nakakatulong sa taumbayan. Noong unang lumabas ang isyung ito, marami talagang misinformation na lumalabas. Marami ring na-publish at marami ring napag-usapan sa media na after the hearings nalaman nating hindi totoo.

I think the hearings are very helpful in terms of bringing out the truth. Saka ang taumbayan natin nakikita nila kung ano talaga ang nangyari.

Makikita mo naman sa hearing, unfiltered iyan. Kung ano ang nasa isip at nasa puso ng resource speakers, whether from the AFP, from the PNP at mula sa iba’t ibang sangay ng gobyerno, malaya naman silang magsalita at ilabas ang kanilang iniisip.

Q: Sir ano sa tingin niyo ang mga questions na left unanswered?

Sen. Bam: We are undergoing our executive sessions right now. We’re hoping that after the executive session, all of these questions will be answered. We did agree na maglalabas ng statement ang chairperson after all executive sessions are finished at hindi pa tapos.

Q: Bakit ipinatigil sa House ang hearing? Was it intended to save the President from further embarrassment?

 Sen. Bam: To be honest, wala akong impormasyon regarding why the House finished that. That’s their business. Dito naman sa atin, wala pa naman kaming pinag-uusapan na tatapusin basta basta. In fact, we’re in the middle of our hearings right now. Kaya lang at this point, executive session tayo.

Q: Without discussing the specifics of the executive sessions, bakit umabot ng apat na oras si Napenas?

 Sen. Bam: Of course, may mga tanong at marami rin kaming nagtatanong. So I’ll leave it at that.

Q: Even after three hearings, ganun pa rin karami ang tanong?

 Sen. Bam: I don’t really want to discuss kung ano ang nasa loob ng executive session but let’s leave it at that. Maraming tanong, maraming nagtanong. Unlike in the open hearing, doon naman malaya kaming magtanong at magkaroon ng follow-up questions din.

Q: May mga sagot ba sa executive session na puwedeng ibulgar sa public?

 Sen. Bam: Wala pa pero after we finished, pagkatapos ng pangatlong executive session natin today. Kung tapos na talaga ang executive session, the committee will come out with a report kung ano ang mga puwedeng ilabas sa publiko.

Q: After Napenas kahapon sir, all questions nasagot na niya?

 Sen. Bam: All questions para sa kanya.

Q: Kung di puwedeng i-discuss sa iba, kayo-kayo lang nakakaalam na mga senators?

 Sen. Bam: Don’t forget na iyong pinaka-output nito is committee report na magbibigay ng recommendations. At iyong recommendations will go the appropriate agencies, whether ito iyong investigating body o sa korte.

Q: Kailangan na bang magsalita si P-Noy sa kanyang role sa Mamasapano?

 Sen. Bam: Ang pinagtatakhan ko nga, noong last public address niya, inako na niya ang responsibilidad. Sinabi na niya I’m responsible for this, I’m the commander in chief at nasabi na rin niya na iyong output nito, which of course, ang pagkamatay ng mga kasama sa kapulisan, dadalhin na niya iyan hanggang sa mamatay siya.

Everytime na may nagsasabi na hindi niya inaako ang responsibilidad, nagtataka ako dahil doon sa statement niya, inako niya iyong responsibilidad. I’m not sure what else he needs to say. He said it’s his responsibility. He owned up to it already.

Responsibility, accountability. Hindi ko alam kung ano pa ang hinahanap ng mga bumabatikos sa kanya. Inako na niya iyon. Now with regard to legalities or liabilities, that what agencies are for. Kung ano iyong iniimbestigahan nila. But with regard to taking accountability and responsibility, palagay ko he already admitted that. Nasabi na niya iyon sa kanyang public address and that was just few days ago.

Q: Kung kayo, kailangan pa ba ng isang hearing?

 Sen. Bam: I think ang taumbayan natin, may mga impormasyon na kailangan silang marinig mula sa resource speakers, at hindi mula sa amin. Palagay ko, magkakaroon pa kami ng isa pang public hearing but it’s really up to the chairman to decide.

Q: Sir iyong sa BBL, ano po ang gusto niyong amyendahan?

 Sen. Bam: Even before the Mamasapano incident, marami sa aming mga senador, gustong maglagay ng amendments para mas mapaganda iyong batas o mas maging mayaman iyong batas natin.

For example, may mga indigenous peoples group na lumapit sa atin noon, hindi lang sa akin kundi sa marami pang senador, na nagre-request na maglagay ng probisyon safeguarding the rights of indigeous peoples in the Bangsamoro autonomous areas. Balak ko talagang ipasok iyon.

Hopefully, dito sa nangyari sa Mamasapano, I would expect na pag natuloy na ang BBL hearings natin, I’m sure marami sa mga kasama ko, magsa-suggest ng ways to improve or ways to safeguard the Bangsamoro Basic Law in the future.

Q: Iyong executive session, may mga naging part na posibleng makaimpluwensiya sa madali o mas matagal ng suliraning ito?

 Sen. Bam: Hindi lang sa executive session kundi sa buong nangyari. Itong nangyari, kailangang maresolba muna, ano ang nangyari talaga, ano ang katotohanan, sino iyong mga kailangang managot sa nangyaring ito and they have to be brought to justice.

Mahirap i-tackle iyong BBL kung iyong mga bagay na iyan, left hanging pa rin. Hindi pa rin naso-solve.

Because of what happened sa Mamasapano, malaki talaga ang epekto niyan sa BBL. I’m hoping iyong concerns ng taumbayan, iyong concerns ng maraming cause-oriented groups, masagot talaga.

We still need to push for peace pero kung kinakailangang baguhin, i-amend o tingnan ulit ang BBL, kailangan siguro talagang gawing iyon.

Matagal ko na ring panawagan iyon. Iyong mga taong pumatay, iyong mga taong gumawa ng heinous act, gumawa ng summary execution, kailangang madala sila sa hustisya, kailangang dumaan sa tamang proseso.

From there, we go to the BBL na meron na tayong mga puwedeng i-enhance sa BBL o mayroon tayong puwedeng baguhin doon na mas magiging malakas pa iyong batas na iyan at mase-safeguard pa ang pangamba ng maraming tao tungkol diyan.

Q: What happened to the Truth Commission?

 Sen. Bam: The House did not go for it. So di siya matutuloy. At the end of the day, I think we’re able to bring out the truth in our Senate hearings.

It should have been a law. Batas kasi ang bubuo noon. Ang counterparts namin sa Kongreso, hindi na ito itutuloy. They basically said, idaan na lang sa hearing.

The Speaker had suggested just a joint committee hearing instead. But then, hindi rin natuloy iyon, naging separate congressional hearings na lang.

At least, iyong assessment ko, iyong Senate hearings naman natin, nakakapaglabas naman ng katotohan. I’m personally satisfied with the openness of the hearings. Iyong mga tanong diretsahan. Iyong mga sumasagot, nakakasagot naman.

Q: May lumalabas na isyu na tumulong ang US sa planning, strategy and extrication ng sundalo. Hindi ba kailangang i-subject sa investigation ng Senate iyon?

 Sen. Bam: Noong tinanong iyan kay Gen. Napenas, he requested na pag-usapan nila iyan sa executive session. By later today, the committee may have some statement.

Q: Nire-require pa po ba ang MILF leadership sa executive session?

 Sen. Bam: That’s really up to the committee to invite them or not. Ang alam kong naka-schedule today are two other generals.

Q: Ano ang masasabi niyo sa mga pulis na pumasok sa mga pulis na pumasok para hulihin si Marwan?

 Sen. Bam: Matapang talaga sila and they accomplished their mission. I think, iyon ang isang bagay ang nakakalimutan ng maraming tao. Namatay sila doing their service, namatay sila making this world a better place. Nakakalimutan ng maraming tao.

Alam ko other senators felt failure ang nangyari but ako pero personally I commend them. In fact I have a resolution commending hindi lang ang namatay kundi pati na rin iyong mga nabuhay.

Kasi they accomplished their mission. Talagang they risked their lives for the country.

Alam niyo si Marwan, siya ang responsible sa Bali bombings. He is also responsible for hundreds of deaths dito mismo sa Pilipinas. They accomplished their mission. They did a good job.

As we know, iyong nangyari very unfortunate, talagang tragic. May mga namatay at iyong mga taong responsable diyan on both sides kailangang managot.

Q: Isa-suggest niyo ba sa komite na mag-ocular sa pinangyarihan?

 Sen. Bam: Hindi pa po napapag-usapan ang suggestion na iyan. Right now, wala pa namang nagsa-suggest but if the chairperson feels na ang susunod doon, I will go with them. Pero sa ngayon hindi pa napag-uusapan iyan.

Q: At this point, may nakikita kayong grounds o grievances para i-demand ang ouster ng Pangulo?

 Sen. Bam: No. I mean, think about it. Ouster, napakabigat noon. Ouster, that’s an extra-constitutional act. Napakabigat niyan. Kailangan tayong magtiwala na may proseso naman tayong puwedeng mag-resolve ng issues na ito.

I understand, emotions are very high pero at the end of the day, ang hinahanap pa rin natin ay iyong magiging maganda sa ating bansa. I think an ouster, which means a coup, will bring us back so many years.

Siyempre iyong democracy tayo, kung ano ang gustong sabihin ng isang tao, nasa kanya iyon. I may not agree with you pero ipaglalaban ko ang karapatan mo na sabihin ang nasa loob mo. That’s the democracy that we fought for.

Q: So di made-destabilize ang administration?

 Sen. Bam: For destab kasi, kailangan mo ng kapulisan, kailangan mo ng army, kailangan mo ng mass-based support. I’m hoping we can resolve all of our issues through the proper government processes and through proper judicial processes, hindi na kailangan ng extra-constitutional means.

Transcript of Sen. Bam’s interview after NTC public hearing on minimum internet speed

 

Q: Update po sa public hearing?

 

Sen. Bam: This is actually a public hearing ng National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) regarding the memorandum circular on publishing your minimum internet speed. Diyan sa public hearing, nagkaroon tayo ng iba’t ibang mga mungkahi, iba’t ibang mga suggestions at kuwento mula sa iba’t ibang stakeholders mula sa private sector at cause-oriented groups at pati na sa consumers.

 

Mukhang lumalapit na tayo sa pag-i-issue nito and the NTC committed na within March ilalabas na niya iyong memorandum circular, iyong patakaran kung saan kailangang i-publish ng ISPs or telcos iyong minimum internet speed na nakukuha ng ating mga kababayan.

 

At the end of the day kasi, mahalaga na ang binabayaran natin, nakukuha natin. Mawawala na ang misleading advertisements, at the same time, kung ano talaga iyong ma-e-expect sa pang-araw-araw na gawain, pati na sa ating Internet, sa telepono man or sa ating mga bahay, makukuha talaga ng taumbayan.

 

Right now, ang naging issue dito is yung batayan ng speed. Kasi maraming paraan kung paano pwedeng makuha ang speed sa iyong bahay o sa iyong lugar, ang mahalaga mayroon tayong isang batayan or a main standard. Part of that process was allowing NTC to purchase equipment, both hardware and software, para mayroon tayong official speed talaga ng isang ISP sa isang lugar.

 

Bawat telco, bawat ISP, may kanya-kanya silang mekanismo. Hindi naman tayo nag-a-agree. Ang mahalaga dito, all the stakeholders agreed that the NTC will be the official na tagabilang kung ano ang official speed sa inyong area. It’s now a matter of purchasing the equipment and providing the software, not just for the NTC pero para na rin sa consumers, para tayo rin, gamit ang software na iyon, puwede nating malaman iyong official na speed sa ating area at maibangga natin sa mga kontrata natin sa telco at ISP at malaman natin kung nakukuha natin ang nakasaad sa advertisements.

 

Q: May consumers tayo na can’t express ang reklamo nila…

Sen. Bam: Actually, malakas sila mag-express, especially online. Binabantayan na rin namin yan. The first step is really having this official standard. Kasi he said, she said iyan. Sasabihin ng isa na nakita ko sa isang website mababa, sasabihin naman ng telco, sa aming pag-aaral mataas naman iyan. Kaya ang NTC natin na siyang regulator, hindi makasabi kung ano dahil wala silang equipment at wala silang opisyal na batayan pagdating sa bilis at quality of service. With the equipment that they’re purchasing and this is a good step, hiningi nila ito last year, binigay naman sa budget, ngayon bibilhin na nila, magkakaroon tayo ng totoong standards. In the interest of fairness, an individual can check their speed at ang telco ay puwede nilang makita sa tool na iyan kung ano ang bilis nila sa isang particular area. In that sense, mailalapit natin kung ano ang user experience sa sinasabi ng ISP at telcos na binibigay nilang kalidad.

 

Q: Mensahe ho para sa consumers natin?

 Sen. Bam: We’ve been having this hearings for a number of months already. Tuluy-tuloy ang hearing, maging sa Senado o maging sa NTC. Hindi natin pakakawalan ito hanggang maabot natin ang sitwasyon na satisfied ang mga tao pagdating sa kanilang internet speed, price and access.

 

Mahalaga ito sa mga tao dahil this is the way we communicate with relatives abroad, ito ang paraan kung paano tayo nakakakuha ng trabaho at nakakapagnegosyo. The only way we can move forward if is all sectors are helping each other. Hindi na sapat na we blame each other. We need to built a right internet infrastructure – ano ang kailangang gawin ng gobyerno, ano ang kailangan niyang ilaang pera sa budget natin, ano iyong kailangang gawin ng ating regulators at kung ano ang kailangang gawin ng consumers. Kasi napag-uusapan din iyong responsibilidad ng consumers pagdating sa internet usage.

 

Of course, kung ano iyong kailangan nating makita mula sa ating telcos at ISPs. Ano ang paraan na kailangan nilang ipakita para makita natin na handa sila na ibigay sa taumbayan ang binabayaran ng tao para sa kanilang serbisyo.

 

Senate Bill No. 2637: Safer Internet Day (SID) Act of 2015

The Internet has been integrated into the daily lives of billions around the world, with the Philippines ranked 16th out of 196 nations in 2014 with over 39 million local Internet users.

Thanks to the World Wide Web, families here and abroad stay connected, news is readily available, our disaster preparedness has improved, and the business landscape is forever changed.

This bill calls for the celebration of National Safer Internet Day to acknowledge both the challenges and opportunities brought forth by this technology that has been integrated in the lives offamilies, communities and the country.

Through the celebration of National Safer Internet Day, the public would be made aware of the importance of creating a safe, secure and favorable online environment.

The Internet exposes the public to a wealth of information and varying perceptions. The lack of safeguards and controls on the web has allowed cyber abuses never before thought of.

What’s more, the Internet is constantly growing and changing. We are only beginning to understand its implications and tap into its capabilities.

National Safer Internet Day should be an annual reminder of our responsibilities as patrons ofthe Internet.

Beyond this, it is also a venue to discuss the constantly changing landscape of the World Wide Web and discover how best to maximize the ever-expanding online realm.

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

 

 PDFicon DOWNLOAD SBN 2637

 

 

Sen. Bam’s statement on the selling of DVDs of carnage of Fallen 44

Some people capitalizing and financially gaining on the misery inflicted on the Fallen 44 is unacceptable.

This move only relives the gruesome massacre that saddened millions of Filipinos and adds to the already burdened families of the victims.

I call on authorities to pursue and punish those behind the distribution and sale of these DVD and VCD.

Transcript: Sen. Bam’s Questions during the Mamasapano Hearing Day 3

Sen. Bam: Chairman Iqbal, na kahit may violation, ipagpapatuloy pa rin ninyo ang peace talks?

Mr. Iqbal: On the part of the MILF, we are committed to peace. For us, there is no other option except the option of peace.

Sen. Bam: Sabi po ninyo, there is no other option but peace, I would like to ask regarding justice, ito rin po ang tanong noong isang araw, at masaya ako na nandito kayo para sagutin ang mga tanong nang diretsahan.

Kahapon po si Gen. Espina gave a very impassioned and emotional plea and the question regarding why his men were treated that way, I think that went to the heart of many Filipinos.

I’m sure nakita ninyo na rin po ang mga video, may reports na rin kayo on the grounds.

Handa rin ba ang MILF na tumulong sa ating government officials na arestuhin, mag-serve ng warrant kapag panahon nang mag-serve ng warrant of arrest at i-turnover ang mga gumawa po ng heinous crimes sa ating mga SAF 44. Handa po ba kayong tumulong?

Mr. Iqbal: Mahirap na tanong yan pero kayang ang usapin dito iyong justice. Kailangang mag-apply iyan sa two sides. Ibig sabihin, ang hustisya hindi lang para sa malakas. Ang pinaka-importanteng hustisya ay iyong para sa mahina.

However, regarding your question, I think we have a mechanism to address that question. It’s in the mechanism of the ceasefire agreement and the ADJA. The MILF, in the beginning, in 1997 up to today, we consider all signed documents as sacred. Even that agreement is signed between Muslims and non-Muslim.

Because it is the same whether you sign an agreement with a Muslim or with a non-Muslim, the sacredness of that agreement is there.

Sen. Bam: First of all, Mr. Iqbal, ang malakas at mahina in this case. Maybe traditionally malakas ang gobyerno at mahina ang kasama natin sa MILF, pero in this case, klarong-klaro po, mas marami po ang ibang forces.

Kung makikita po ninyo, mas maliit ang puwersa ang pumasok sa Mamasapano compared to the forces who were there.

Iyong nakita po natin kahapon, iyong nag-surface na videos at medico-legal, na may pinatay na harap-harapan, iyon po labag din po iyon sa karapatan ng MILF, di po ba?

Mr. Iqbal: Your honor, would you allow me to read a portion of the code of conduct of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces?

Sen. Bam: Please.

Mr. Iqbal: Its Article 1, Items 4,5,6 and 7. Number four, wounded enemy combatants. Never betray or be treacherous or vindictive.

Do not mutilate, don’t cut or burn palm trees or fruitful trees or home dwellings. Don’t slay sheep, a cow, camel or other animals except for food.

Number five, surrender enemy combatants. Maintain and observe justice at all times and avoid light retaliation. Protect and treat them humanly. That’s in the Quran.

Number six, prisoners of war or captives. Be kind at all times of captives or prisoners of war. Collect and care for wounded combatants. It’s still in the Quran.

Number seven, medical or distinctive signs. Respect personnel and facilities or persons bearing an object mark with signs as Red Cross or Red Crescent, including religious persons, military or civilians bearing white flag used for negotiation, truce or surrender.

You know, your honor, I am tasked by this one.

Sen. Bam: So sinasabi ninyo na iyong nakita ng taumbayan na pagtrato sa SAF 44, iyong pagpatay sa kanila nang harap-harapan at kung paano po sila pinatay, iyong nakita po natin.

Mr. Iqbal: Masakit sa amin iyon ang pagkamatay ng SAF.

Kaya nga ho kailangan ng independent investigation para makita natin.

Sen. Bam: Madam Chairman, I would like to give the last word to Gen. Espina. Yesterday po, mayroon kayong hinaing, brought Gen. Napenas to tears.

Many of us were moved by that statement. At this point, ano pa rin po ang hustisya na hinahanap ng ating kapulisan dito sa nangyari?

Gen. Espina: Katulad po ng nasabi ko noon pa, matagal ko na pong nilagay ang sarili ko doon sa paano humahanap po ng hustisya. Doon ho malalaman ninyo na. 

Katulad noong pamilya, ano ho ba ang gusto nilang mahanap so we’ll have a good perspective  of what really justice are we seeking. Kaya nga ho iyan, malaman ho ang katotohanan.

Kung malaman po ang katotohanan through investigation, dapat po maparusahan ang sinumang may pagkakamali at pumatay. Iyan na ho lahat iyan.

Hindi na ho kasi natin maibabalik ang  nagawan po ng injustice. Buti na lang at nandito si Chairman Iqbal, at least naiparating po natin sa kanila kung ano po ang nangyari sa mga pulis namin.

Maraming salamat po. I hope sama-sama po sana tayo. Apatnapu’t apat po ang ating namatay, sabi niyo sa inyo disiotso. 

We have to be both together here in seeking justice for our people. Iyong sa inyo naman po, sana maging ganoon din.

Bam Aquino’s Statement on the Video Showing the Death of SAF 44

We strongly condemn the gruesome killing and barbaric atrocities done to our Special Action Force members in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

In the strongest possible terms, we call on the MILF to surrender the combatants and submit them to the appropriate processes of our justice system.

Their leadership should also attend the ongoing Senate hearings and answer the difficult questions that plague our nation.

The road to peace must not set aside justice and accountability.

Excerpts from Sen. Bam Aquino’s Questions during the Senate Mamasapano Hearing

Sen. Bam kay Gen. Lapenas: Lumalabas na mayroon kayong judgment call na ginawa na umabot po sa kung saan tayo ngayon. So General Lapenas, first I would like to clarify na ang ating SAF forces ay best of the best?

Gen. Napenas: It is not 100 percent conclusion, your honor.

Sen. Bam: But you are the elite in the PNP?

Gen. Napenas: As far as the PNP is concerned, that is true your honor.

Sen. Bam: Kasi po may report na nailabas na ang pinadala natin ay mga baguhan, di po totoo iyon?

Gen. Napenas: That is not true your honor, the troops that we sent to Mamasapano, they’re the best of SAF.

Sen. Bam: And they accomplished their mission? Tama po?

Gen. Napenas: Yes your honor.

Sen. Bam: Iyon ating pong misyon, after everything that has happened, ang tingin ninyo po ba it’s a valid mission and a planned out mission?

Gen. Napenas: It’s valid and a very legitimate mission, not only for us but for the Filipino people.

Sen. Bam: Do you still feel that it was a well planned out mission considering na hindi nakapag-coordinate sa ibang ahensiya and what happened?

Gen. Napenas: Yes, your honor.

Sen. Bam: Kayo po ay nagbigay ng isang judgment call na huwag sabihan ang AFP, tama po ba?

Gen. Napenas: Hindi po ako ang nagbigay ng judgment call na ganoon, your honor. Nagbigay sa akin ng statement si Gen. Purisima. Nakalagay doon sa aming operation plan, mayroon po tayo doong coordination table na TOT o time on target.

Sen. Bam: Ito’y po’y nakasulat. Hindi lang po ito verbal?

Gen. Napenas: Yes your honor, nakalagay sa operation plan, nakasulat.

Sen. Bam: Na-submit ninyo na po ba ito sa committee?

Gen. Napenas: We will submit it already. I suppose it was received by the office of Senator Grace Poe.

Sen. Bam: Nakasulat po na iyong AFP, TOT, doon po sa plano. At ibinigay ito sa inyo ni General Purisima?

Gen. Napenas: Siya po ang nag-approve ng plano, noong April pa at noong  November your honor.

Sen. Bam: Throughout all of the operation na ginawa ninyo, TOT ba lahat ang operation niyo o eto lang ang TOT.

Gen. Napenas: Nagsimula lang ito noong November your honor because of what happened noong April na operations na na-compromise ang operation natin dahil ang coordination sa 61B at mechanized brigade ay mayroon po iyon na April 25 na operation.

They were supposed to provide us iyong mechanized. However, nagmo-move on the way iyong tropa namin, suddenly iyong 61B commander tumawag through P/Chief Supt. De Los Reyes who was then in front of him, tumawag sa akin na hindi magbibigay ng mechanized assets, nasa iyo kung i-go mo o hindi.

Nagdecide ako na i-abort iyong mission dahil walang iyong mechanized assets.

Sen. Bam: Kumbaga, nasabi ninyo rin ito kahapon. Noong nakikipag-coordinate kayo sa AFP, hindi natutuloy ang oplan. Noong hindi kayo nag-coordinate, doon ninyo nakuha si Marwan.

Gen. Napenas: That’s true your honor.

Sen. Bam: Ngayon pong nangyari na ang nangyari, do you still stand by that lack of coordination na tama lang po na TOT iyong ating AFP?

Do you still stand by that or ngayon po na nag-uusap na tayo ngayon, may 44 tayong kapatid na namatay, do you feel na dapat nakipag-coordinate na lang kayo sa AFP?

Gen. Napenas: I stand with that your honor because that has been deliberated accordingly during the preparations of the plan and during time that we’re doing mission planning because of so many reasons that if we do coordination prior to the AFP, we will be compromised in the operations again.

Sen. Bam: Iyon po iyong masabi nating first judgment na ngayon po ay pinag-uusapan natin.

Ang pangalawa po ay iyong pagtulong ng AFP. I would like to ask General Pangilinan. Ayun po, pinag-uusapan po natin. P

akiramdam po ng ibang resource speakers natin, hindi po naging sapat ang tulong ng AFP. Pagdating po sa boots on the ground, nakatulong naman po kayo? Tama po?

Gen. Pangilinan: Yes your honor.

Sen. Bam: Ito iyong sinabi niyong I approved 1 and 2 but not No. 3.

Gen. Pangilinan: Actually I did not say I did not approve but rather hold.

Sen. Bam: Pero hindi rin po natuloy ang No. 3?

Gen. Pangilinan: Because there was no request after that.

Sen. Bam: So iyong 1 and 2, definitely po, iyong mga kapatid natin sa Army, tumulong naman sila sa PNP?

Gen. Pangilinan: Yes your honor.

Sen. Bam: In fact, may na-save kayo na 17 from the 84th Seaborne.

Gen. Pangilinan: 17 unharmed and 11 wounded in action, your honor.

Sen. Bam: So iyong tanong na lang, bakit hindi kayo nagpaputok? Bakit hindi po kayo nag-artillery?

Gen. Pangilinan: Nag-artillery po kami noong bandang hapon when we already have a clear picture of what was going on.

Iyong sinasabi po natin na bakit hindi kami nagpaputok ng umaga, its because we did not have a clear picture, enough information that were necessary in order for us to provide artillery fire support.

Sen. Bam: General, that’s your judgment?

Gen. Pangilinan: Doctrinal po iyan, your honor.

Sen. Bam: You’re telling us now, hindi lang iyan isang judgment, sumunod po kayo sa patakaran?

Gen. Pangilinan: Yes your honor, isa pong doktrina na sinusunod namin when we were firing artillery fire support.

 

Sen. Bam: Gen. Guerrero, hiningan po ba kayo ng advice o ng order ni Gen. Pangilinan pagdating sa artillery fire?

Gen. Guerrero: The guidance I gave when I was informed by the OIC of the PNP about the encounter of the PNP-SAF is for Gen. Pangilinan being the division commander on the ground to provide support.

Sen. Bam: Sinabi ninyo provide support, and then Gen. Pangilinan, nag-decide ka na ito ang support na ibibigay ko pero itong isa, dahil wala pang impormasyon, hindi ko muna ibibigay.

Gen. Pangilinan: Yes, your honor.

Sen. Bam: That judgment or decision on your part, hindi po kayo nagsisisi na hindi niyo naibigay ang pangatlong hiling ng SAF forces?

Gen. Pangilinan: I have not, your honor.

Sen. Bam: Gen. Napenas, alam po ba ng SAF forces na walang coordination sa AFP?

Gen. Napenas: Alam po ng mga tao natin, kasama doon sa mission planning iyong mga commanders, kaya alam na alam nila ang coordination sa AFP.

Sen. Bam: Hindi ninyo po ba naisip na pag walang koordinasyon, that the risk will be so high na mahirap tayong ma-extract doon sa lugar? O you considered that doon sa pagpaplano.

Gen. Napenas: Na-consider po your honor but we bank on the statement of P/Dir. Gen. Purisima that he will take care of the coordination kay Gen. Catapang.

Sen. Bam: Did you expect na mayroong coordination through Gen. Purisima o ang expectation po ninyo ay alam lang nila ng TOT?

Gen. Napenas: I cannot answer iyong coordination ni Gen. Purisima kay Gen. Catapang.

Sen. Bam: Gen. Purisima, anong klaseng koordinasyon po ang nagawa niyo kay Gen.Catapang?

Gen. Purisima: Your honor, on Dec. 19, 2014, I facilitated a meeting of Director Napenas, Gen. Guerrero, Gen. Pangilinan for a coordination meeting in Camp Aguinaldo. This is to thresh out the possible operation.

Sen. Bam: Let me ask Gen. Catapang. Iyon koordinasyon po sa Dec. 19, hindi po iyon sapat para sa isang full coordination ng isang operation?

Gen. Catapang: Yes your honor, but there was another meeting on Dec. 23 wherein Gen. Guerrero, Gen. Pangilinan, Gen. Napenas, Gen. Magnaye, 3rd Air Division in Zamboanga to thresh out the tactical coordination needed.

Sen. Bam: Kumbaga po General, in general alam ho natin ang nangyayari, iyong specific di natin alam, for the record.

Gen. Catapang: For the record, yes your honor.

Sen. Bam: So palagay ko po, iyong dalawang judgment ng ating dalawang general dito is really put into question.

I would like to ask Secretary Roxas, at this point po ang taumbayan nakikita nila kung ano talaga ang nangyari. The two judgment, ngayon po magja-judgment naman ang taumbayan.

With regard to the judgment done by our leaders in this operation, kadalasan po pinag-uusapan ang hustisya. Sometimes, pakiramdam ko po, kapag humihingi ng hustisya, ang hinihingi vengeance, paghihiganti.

Kayo, nakausap niyo po iyong mga pamilya, ano ho sa tingin niyo ang magbibigay ng hustisya para mga namatayan nating Fallen 44?

Sec. Roxas: Nagsisimula iyong hustisya, iyong katarungan, sa katotohanan. Nadinig ko iyan mula sa mga biyuda, sa mga naulila, iyong walang silang closure.

Sen. Bam: Ano po ang magbibigay ng closure sa families ng Fallen 44?

Sen. Roxas: Ang malaman po nila ang nangyari dito. Natural sa isang pamilya na hindi nila alam ang detalye ng operasyon. Inaasahan nila na pag na-trouble ang kanilang mister o anak, na ang puwersa ng pamahalaan ay nandiyan na sasagip sa kanila. 

So itong mga katanungan kung bakit hindi natulungan ng artillery, o late na, o kulang. Totoo nga bang hindi nagkaroon ng full coordination.

Bam Wants Safer, Secure Environment for 44M Online Pinoys

A senator wants to declare February 10 of each year as National Safer Internet Day in an effort to create a safe, secure and favorable online environment for more than 44 million Filipino users daily.

“While the Internet exposes the public to a wealth of information and varying perceptions, lack of safeguards and controls on the web has allowed for unregulated trade markets and cyber abuses,” Sen. Bam Aquino said in his Senate Bill No. 2637.

“Everyone needs to be involved in making our connectedness online safe and secure,” added Sen. Bam.

Through the celebration of National Safer Internet Day, Sen. Bam said the public would be reminded of “our responsibilities as patrons of the Internet.”

“We need to change our passwords from time to time, be more cautious with our online deals and transactions and put parental controls for children,” cited Sen. Bam.

According to the Terre des Hommes Netherlands Philippine Country Office, the Philippines now has 44 million internet users, majority of whom view social network sites 15 billion times every month.

The group also said the Philippines has 30 million Facebook users while more than 28 Million people are mobile Internet users. 

“It is also a venue to discuss the constantly changing landscape of the World Wide Web and discover how best to maximize the ever-expanding online realm,” Sen. Bam said.

Through the Internet, Sen. Bam said news is readily available to the public, disaster preparedness has improved and the business landscape has changed for the better.

“What’s more, the Internet is constantly growing and changing. We are only beginning to understand its implications and tap into its capabilities,” he added.

Sen. Bam has also probed on the slow and expensive Internet connection in the country.

According to ASEAN DNA, the Philippines (3.6 megabytes per second) lags behind Laos (4.0 Mbps), Indonesia (4.1 Mbps), Myanmar and Brunei (4.9 Mbps), Malaysia (5.5 Mbps) and Cambodia (5.7 Mbps).

Sen. Bam sees that E-Commerce will also empower online entrepreneurs who promote and sell their products on the Internet.

“E-Commerce could provide more opportunities for livelihood and earning, locally and globally. With Filipinos being online savvy, the world is our market and our opportunities are limitless,” he added.

Bam: Medal of Valor for Fallen 44

A senator has filed a resolution seeking to posthumously award the Medal of Valor to the 44 Special Action Force officers who sacrificed their lives in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, saying they should be commended for their exemplary courage and heroism.

“The 44 officers of the PNP-SAF fought valiantly and sacrificed their lives in the performance of their duty,” Senator Bam Aquino said in his Senate Resolution No. 1156.

Sen. Bam said the bravery of the 44 SAF members led to the killing of international terrorist Zulkipli Bin Hir, alias Abu Marwan, during an operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

“Their lives were in the service to the Filipino people and our nation’s quest for peace,” added Sen. Bam.

However, the SAF team came under intense rebel fire from members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), resulting in the death of 44 of its members.

According to the senator, Republic Act No. 9049 honors military heroes and affiliates for their supreme self-sacrifice and distinctive acts of heroism and gallantry by awarding the Medal of Valor.

“Their mission was accomplished and that the country became a safer place because of them,” Sen. Bam emphasized.

The Medal of Valor entitles the widower and/or dependents of the awardee to a lifetime monthly gratuity and precedence in employment in National Government Agencies (NGAs) or Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) among other benefits

“Through this recognition, it is our hope that the nation will never forget what they’ve died for and be an inspiration for our fellow Filipinos to continue serving our country,” Sen. Bam stressed.

Bam urges Lower House to Retain Major Reforms in SK

Senator Bam Aquino hopes that the Lower House will retain the major reforms in the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) reform bill, which was passed by the Senate on third and final reading Monday.

“We look forward to the enactment of the bill in March. I hope that major reforms that we are pushing will be consistent with Congress’ version,” said Aquino, chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth.

Via 20-0 affirmative vote, the Senate has passed on third and final reading the Senate Bill No. 2401 or the Youth Development and Empowerment Act of 2014.

Senator Bam’s “Liga ng Bayaning Kabataan (LBK)” bill was among several bills consolidated under Senate Bill No. 2401.

Among the major reforms approved by the Senate is the anti-dynasty provision prohibiting family and relatives of any public official – from national, provincial, city/municipality and barangay levels, including appointed ones — up to second degree of affinity or consanguinity from seeking any SK position.

The measure also expands the SK age range to 18 to 24 years old to make them more accountable for their actions.

In addition, SK officials are also mandated to undergo training programs before they assume their posts, equipping them with necessary skills in governance and leadership which will be useful in their position.

The measure also pushes for the creation of the Local Youth Development Council (LYDC), a council that will support the SK and ensure the participation of more young people through student councils, faith-based organizations, youth-serving groups and other community-based youth organizations.

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