Author: teambam

Sen. Bam to economic managers: Protektahan ang magsasaka’t mangingisda, suportahan ang ‘Bawas Presyo Bill’

The government must consider the welfare of farmers and fishermen when they tackle the proposed lower tariffs for meat, fish and rice, Sen. Bam Aquino insisted.

“Lowering the tariffs will lower the price. Pero sa pagbaba ng presyo ng imported, ang ating magsasaka at mangingisda naman ang masasagasaan,” said Sen. Bam during the briefing on the proposed 2019 National Expenditure Program.

“Kailangan natin protektahan ang mga Pilipinong nalulunod na sa taas-presyo,” Sen. Bam told National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) director-general Ernesto Pernia, who assured the senator that there will be consultations with the sectors regarding the matter.

Sen. Bam also asked the government’s economic managers to ensure that mitigating measures are in place for millions of farmers before implementing rice tariffication.

“Rice tariffication will have a detrimental effect to 3.5 million Filipino rice farmers. Bago pa ito ipatupad, dapat nakahanda na ang tulong sa ating magsasaka,” said Sen. Bam, who said the delays in mitigating measures convinced him to vote “No” to the TRAIN Law.

The government plans to allot P10 billion in assistance to farmers to improve irrigation, establish small water impounding systems and provide them with better seeds and equipment.

Sen. Bam also urged economic managers to consider his “Bawas Presyo Bill” as a means to address the unprecedented inflation rate.

“My bill will institute a safeguard to allow us to rollback and suspend the excise tax on petroleum products,” said Sen. Bam, referring to Senate Bill No. 1798.

Sen. Bam’s measure seeks to suspend the excise tax on fuel under the TRAIN Law when the average inflation rate surpasses the annual inflation target over a three-month period.

“We need this safeguard before January. Kung hindi ipasa ang ‘Bawas Presyo Bill’, mamimilipit tayo sa paghahanap ng legal na paraan para pigilan ang pagtaas ng excise tax sa Enero,” said Sen. Bam, one of four senators who voted against the ratification of the TRAIN Law.

3-month financial assistance for endo workers, included in ‘End Endo’ bill

Sen. Bam Aquino’s “Pantawid Endo” proposal to give financial assistance to workers hired by subcontracting companies who are waiting for their next project was incorporated in Security of Tenure and End of Endo Act of 2018.
 
Under the Transition Support Program, Sen. Bam’s “Pantawid Endo” proposal will provide workers who are hired by subcontracting companies and are in between jobs with much needed financial assistance for three months.
 
“Makakatulong po ang probisyong ito sa pagsisigurado na hindi mawawalan ng kita ang mga pamilya ng mga manggagawa habang sila’y nag-aabang ng bagong kontrata at trabaho,” Sen. Bam said in his co-sponsorship speech.
 
Sen. Bam said the provision will provide workers with much-needed assistance amid the increase in prices of goods, such as rice, food and other basic needs. 
 
“Mas mahalaga pa po ito sa panahon ngayon na matindi ang pagtaas ng presyo ng bigas, pagkain at iba pang pangangailangan ng pamilya; ngayon na bawat sentimo na pumasok sa bulsa ng pamilya ay mahalaga,” Sen. Bam said.
 
In his co-sponsorship speech, Sen. Bam also asked his colleagues to support the Bawas Presyo Bill to relieve families of the burden of high prices.

Sen. Bam Aquino to block TRAIN 2 anti-education provision

Sen. Bam Aquino has committed to block the removal of the 10-percent preferential tax rate for private non-profit schools under the proposed TRAIN 2. 

The senator believes that the removal of the 10-percent preferential tax rate will lead to increase in tuition and other fees. 

“Sa dulo, ang mga pamilyang nagpapaaral din ang papasan nito kaya tataas ang matrikula,” said Sen. Bam, one of four senators who voted against the ratification of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law. 

“Nalulunod na nga sa taas presyo ng bilihin, tataas pa ang gastos sa eskuwela,” said Sen. Bam. “Maawa naman po kayo sa ating mga kababayan. Dagdag na pahirap na naman ito sa pamilyang Pilipino.” 

Currently, private non-profit proprietary educational institutions receive a preferential 10-percent income tax rate, together with non-profit hospitals, offshore banking units and regional operating headquarters. 

But under the TRAIN 2 proposal, these institutions may be taxed up to 25%, more than double their current rate, leaving them with less money to invest in quality education for their students. What’s more, this additional cost may result in higher tuition fees. 

Instead of working on TRAIN 2, Sen. Bam is appealing to Congress to address the gaps in TRAIN 1 and pass the Senate Bill No. 1798, or his “Bawas Presyo Bill”, which seeks to suspend the excise tax on fuel under the TRAIN Law when the average inflation rate surpasses the annual inflation target over a three-month period. 

“Solusyunan at aksyunan na natin ang Bawas Presyo Bill upang bigyan ng ginhawa ang mga Pilipinong nalulunod sa taas-presyo,” said Sen. Bam. 

The senator said the immediate passage of the measure is necessary since another round of increase in the excise tax on fuel will happen on January 2019 under the TRAIN Law. 

“Huwag naman natin hayaan na itaas pa ng gobyerno ang presyo ng petrolyo habang nalulunod ang mga Pilipino sa gastos,” Sen. Bam stressed.

Sen. Bam: Tama na ang debate sa TRAIN, aksiyunan ang matinding inflation

The government must act now to ease the burden of high prices of goods and services on the Filipino people by immediately suspending the excise tax on fuel under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law, according to Sen. Bam Aquino. 
 
Sen. Bam made the pronouncement after the country’s inflation rate hit 5.7 percent in July, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). 
 
“Wala nang ihihigpit pa ang sinturon ng taumbayan. Sagad na sagad na po dahil sa mahal ng bilihin,” said Sen. Bam, one of four senators who voted against ratification of the TRAIN Law. 
 
“Huwag na tayong magtalo kung gaano kalaki ang epekto ng TRAIN sa taas presyo. Utang na loob, pag-usapan na po natin ang solusyon,” said Sen. Bam, who is pushing for the passage of his “Bawas Presyo Bill. 
 
Sen. Bam’s measure seeks to suspend the excise tax on fuel under the TRAIN Law when the average inflation rate surpasses the annual inflation target over a three-month period. 
 
“Sobra na ang hirap ng taumbayan, tama na po ang debate. Gawin na natin ang nararapat para ibaba ang presyo sa lalong madaling panahon,” said Sen. Bam. 
 
During his consultation with various sectors in different parts of the country, the senator said has received complaints from different sectors, about the negative impact of the TRAIN Law on their livelihood. 
 
In Sen. Bam’s recent visit to Tagbilaran City, a representative from the senior citizens group said that the TRAIN Law is killing them softly and urged the senator to help put a stop to it. 
 
“Iyong TRAIN, parang hindi pinag-aralan. Walang konsultasyon sa baba, kasi kung meron sana hindi iyan natuloy,” said Oni Kalinyahan, a representative from the fisherfolk sector. 
 
“Hindi na kami natutulog para makapantay man lang sa gastusin,” the fisherman added.

Sen. Bam: Bawas Presyo Bill is safer fix to inflation vs. lower tariffs on meat, fish

Rather than impose lower tariffs on fish and meat to lower inflation, Sen. Bam Aquino said the government should focus on the suspension and roll back of excise tax on petroleum products under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law. 

“Natutuwa tayo na tanggap na ng administrasyong na napakalaking problema ang mataas na inflation at presyo ng bilihin,” said Sen. Bam, one of four senators who voted against the ratification of the TRAIN Law. 

“Subalit, sa planong bawasan ang taripa, baka ang ating mga magsasaka’t mangingisda ang tamaan dahil sa pagbaba ng presyo ng imported na karne at isda,” warned Sen. Bam. 

“Tulungan na lang ang ating mga kababayang magsasaka at mangingisda na mapababa ang cost of production para bumaba ang presyo ng kanilang produkto at lumaki ang kanilang kita,” suggested Sen. Bam, adding that productions cost has even gone up because of the price of petroleum and government’s excise tax on fuel. 

Sen. Bam stressed that solutions to inflation shouldn’t burden poor families, especially our farmers and fishermen who are already struggling to compete with imported goods. 

“Gusto natin solusyunan at aksiyunan ang taas-presyo, pero gawin natin ito na walang nasasagasaang magsasaka’t mangingisda. Ipasa na sana ng Kongreso ang Bawas Presyo Bill,” said Sen. Bam as he renewed his push for the passage of Senate Bill No. 1798, or his “Bawas Presyo Bill.” 

Sen. Bam’s measure seeks to suspend the excise tax on fuel under the TRAIN Law when the average inflation rate surpasses the annual inflation target over a three-month period. 

According to Sen. Bam, a roll-back of the excise tax on fuel under the TRAIN Law could help bring down the prices of goods and services and the rise in inflation rate. It will also help lower expenses of farmers and fishermen. 

Sen. Bam warned that another round of increase in the excise tax on fuel will happen on January 2019 under the TRAIN Law. 

“Huwag naman natin hayaan na itaas pa ng gobyerno ang presyo ng petrolyo habang nalulunod ang mga Pilipino sa gastos,” Sen. Bam stressed.

Sen. Bam to gov’t: Fulfill TRAIN’s promise to the poor

The government should fully implement the mitigating measures under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law first before even discussing the passage of TRAIN 2.

“Siguraduhin muna ng gobyerno na ang pinangakong tulong ng TRAIN 1 ay makuha ng mga Pilipino. May ilang milyong pamilya pa ang hindi nakatatanggap ng tulong pinansiyal, pati mga jeepney driver ay nirereklamo ang Pantawid Pasada Program,” said Sen. Bam, one of four senators who voted against the ratification of the TRAIN Law.

 The government has yet to complete the roll out of the unconditional cash transfer program and Pantawid Pasada Program, which should help jeepney operators and drivers cope with the increase in oil prices.

“Kung napakaraming pangako ang hindi natupad, bakit pa tayo maniniwala sa mga pangako ngayon? Magpakatotoo na tayo. Suspindihin na natin ang mga pahirap na buwis sa TRAIN,” said Sen. Bam, who filed Senate Bill No. 1798 or the “Bawas Presyo Bill” to roll-back and suspend the excise tax on fuel under the TRAIN Law when average inflation surpasses the annual inflation target over a three-month period.

“Sa pag-uusap namin iba’t ibang komunidad, napakarami ang naghahanap ng solusyon sa taas-presyo. Nalulunod na sila sa gastos,” said Sen. Bam.

On the push to pass TRAIN 2 in the Senate, Sen. Bam says he cannot move on to TRAIN 2 without addressing the issues of TRAIN 1.

  “Mahirap maka-move-on sa TRAIN 2 habang maraming Pilipino pa ang pinapahirapan ng TRAIN 1. Hindi pa naipapatupad ang mga programa para sa mga nasagasaan ng TRAIN,” added Sen. Bam.

 

Sen. Bam to gov’t: Tulungan mag-modernize, huwag i-“phase out” ang kabuhayan ng mga jeepney driver

If the government is serious in modernizing public utility jeepneys (PUJs) in the country, Sen. Bam Aquino said it should provide affordable terms for the operators to avail of modern jeepneys. 
 
“Seryoso ba kayo sa jeepney modernization o gusto niyo ba silang i-phase out?”, asked Sen. Bam during the hearing of the Committee on Public Services.
 
Based on his consultations with jeepney drivers and operators in various areas, Sen. Bam said he received complaints about the steep terms of payment for the modern jeepney. 
 
“Gustong mag-modernize at umasenso ng mga jeepney driver. Tulungan natin sila,” added Sen. Bam. 
 
Sen. Bam urged transport officials to look into lowering the interest and extending the term period so that payments can be equivalent to the daily boundary of jeepney drivers. Different transport organizations present during the hearing supported Sen. Bam’s proposal. 
 
“Kung hindi natin itatapat ang offer ng gobyerno sa kanilang boundary, mawawalan ng kabuhayan ang mahihirap na Pilipino at baka malaking kumpanya pa ang pumalit at makinabang,” said Sen. Bam. 
 
“Suporta at hindi pahirap ang kailangan ng taumbayan, lalo na ang mga mahihirap na nalulunod na sa taas ng presyo ng petrolyo,” stressed Sen. Bam. 
 
Sen. Bam has been pushing for the quick implementation of the Pantawid Pasada Program and its expansion to other modes of transport like tricycles and UV Express vans. He also filed the Bawas Presyo Bill to roll-back and suspend TRAIN’s excise tax of petroleum products.

Sen. Bam: 900 Negosyo Centers now open to support small Filipino businesses

Residents of Carmen, Agusan del Norte can now visit their community’s Negosyo Center for help and support in starting a business or growing their family’s livelihood with the opening of the 900th Negosyo Center in the Philippines. 
 
“900 na ang mga Negosyo Centers na handang tumulong sa mga kababayan nating nais magnegosyo at magkaroon ng kabuhayan. Lahat po ay welcome kaya bumisita na kayo,” said Sen. Bam, principal sponsor and author of Republic Act No. 10644 or the Go Negosyo Act. 
 
Located at the municipal grounds, the newest Negosyo Center was inaugurated by Carmen mayor Ramon Calo. He was joined by other local officials, Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya and other concerned stakeholders. 
 
Sen. Bam’s first enacted law in 2014, the Go Negosyo Act mandates the establishment of Negosyo Centers in all municipalities, cities and provinces that will assist micro, small and medium enterprises in the country. 
 
Negosyo Centers provide access to markets and financing for businesses, training programs, and a simplified business registration process, thus helping ease of doing business and fast-track government processes in putting up a business. 
 
According to Sen. Bam, Negosyo Centers provide a key role in fulfilling the dreams of many Filipinos who want to establish their own business as means of livelihood. 
 
“Malaking bagay ang ating Negosyo Centers para mabigyan ng karampatang tulong ang ating mga kababayan na nais magnegosyo,” said Sen. Bam. 
 
“Maliban pa rito, makatutulong din ang Negosyo Center para mabigyan ng suporta ang mga kababayan nating nais kumita ng extra, lalo ngayong mataas ang presyo ng bilihin,” added Sen. Bam, a long-time advocate of micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) development.

Sen. Bam to Congress: Manindigan at suportahan ang anti-dynasty bill

Sen. Bam Aquino urged political clans to make a stand and support the enactment of an anti-dynasty law for the sake of the Filipino people.

“Manindigan din dapat kaming mula sa political family. Suportahan natin ang anti-dynasty law, para sa ikabubuti ng taumbayan,” said Sen. Bam, co-author of Senate Bill No. 1765 or the Anti-Political Dynasty Act of 2018.

Sen. Bam said the passage of an anti-dynasty law will encourage and empower more excellent Filipinos with a passion for service, to run for office and be given the opportunity to effect change in government.

 “Matagal nang hindi pinapansin ang anti-political dynasty provision ng ating Konstitusyon. Panahon na para isabatas ito,” Sen. Bam stressed.

“Tatlumpung taon nang overdue na ang batas na ito, at hindi ito pakiusap, mandato ito ng Konstitusyon. Dahil hindi lalago ang ating demokrasya hanggang may political dynasties.” Sen. Bam added.

Sen. Bam also emphasized the importance of the law’s passage, especially with the government’s push for federalism, which will strengthen the grip of political dynasties in their respective turfs.

Sen. Bam is one of the co-authors of the Anti-Political Dynasty Act of 2018 in the Senate.

Sen. Bam Aquino pushes ‘Bawas Presyo Bill’ amid rising gas prices

Sen. Bam Aquino urged the government to address the rising prices of goods, especially that of petroleum products, by supporting the passage of his measure dubbed as “Bawas Presyo Bill.”
 
“Huwag na patagalin pa ang paghihirap ng ating mga kababayan. May magagawa tayo para maibsan ang pagtaas ng presyo,” said Sen. Bam, one of four senators who voted against the ratification of the TRAIN Law.
 
“Simplehan lang po natin. Taas presyo ang problema, bawas presyo ang solusyon. Kailangang ipasa na ang Bawas Presyo Bill sa lalong madaling panahon,” added Sen. Bam, referring to his Senate Bill No. 1798.
 
Sen. Bam’s measure seeks to suspend the excise tax on fuel under the TRAIN Law when the average inflation rate surpasses the annual inflation target over a three-month period.
 
According to Sen. Bam, the government cannot escape the fact that its tax reform program, particularly the excise tax on fuel under the TRAIN Law, has led to the increase in prices of goods and services and the rise in inflation rate.
 
He added that under the TRAIN Law, another increase in the excise tax on fuel is scheduled for January 2019.
 
“Huwag naman natin hayaan na itaas pa ng gobyerno ang presyo ng petrolyo habang nalulunod ang mga pamilya sa gastos,” urged Sen. Bam.
 
Sen. Bam also urged Congress to prioritize the suspension and rollback of excise tax under the TRAIN Law, instead of focusing on the passage of TRAIN 2.
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