Author: teambam

Sen. Bam: Tulong, di kulong, para sa mahihirap nating kababayan

Krimen na ba maging mahirap ngayon?

Senator Bam Aquino posed this question as he criticized the government’s campaign against so-called “tambays”, which is mostly conducted in poor communities.

While acknowledging the need for crime prevention efforts, Sen. Bam insisted that it should be implemented without infringing on the rights of Filipinos, especially those in poor communities.

“Halos lahat ng mga naaresto ay mga mahirap at ang mga operasyon ay ginagawa sa mahihirap na komunidad,” said Sen. Bam. “Anti-poor ang ginagawa nilang ito.”

“Nalulunod na nga sila sa taas ng presyo, tapos ngayon ikukulong pa sa halip na tulungan,” added Sen. Bam, referring to the burden of high prices brought by the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law.

“Tulong po, hindi kulong ang kailangan ng mga mahihirap nating kababayan,” said Sen. Bam as he his call for the full implementation of mitigating measures under the TRAIN Law, such as the unconditional cash transfer program for poor families and the Pantawid Pasada for jeepney operators and drivers.

Sen. Bam is one of four senators who voted against the ratification of the TRAIN Law. Sen. Bam rejected it due to the government’s failure to immediately implement the unconditional cash transfer program and the Pantawid Pasada program.

As part of his effort to alleviate the burden of high prices of goods and services, Sen. Bam has filed a measure that aims to roll back of TRAIN’s excise tax on fuel when average inflation rate surpasses the annual inflation target over a three-month period.

In addition, Sen. Bam also renewed his call for the full implementation of the unconditional cash transfer program, which will help alleviate the increase in high prices of goods and services caused by the TRAIN Law.

Sen. Bam: Don’t hold free tuition hostage to justify TRAIN Law

Don’t hold free college education hostage, government can afford free tuition even without the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law.

This was Sen. Bam Aquino’s reaction to the government’s statement that the free college education will be affected once the TRAIN Law is suspended.

“May iba namang pagkukunan ang gobyerno ng budget. Sa totoo lang malaki pa ang hindi nagagamit na pondo,” said Sen. Bam, one of the four senators who voted against the ratification of the TRAIN Law.

“Bakit kailangan i-hostage ang libreng kolehiyo? Tama na ang pagpapahirap sa taumbayan na nalulunod na sa pagtaas ng presyo,” added Sen. Bam who is principal sponsor of the Republic Act 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.

Sen. Bam insisted that the government has enough funds for the continued implementation of the free college education, even without the P70 billion expected revenue from the rollback of the excise tax on petroleum products under the TRAIN Law.

Sen. Bam also reminded the administration that underspending, or the allotted funds that were left untouched by government agencies, reached P390 billion for 2017. The budget for free college education was set at P41 billion for 2018.

“Mahalaga na alam ng pangulo ang totoong numero. Mahirap nang magdesisyon kapag mali mali ang binibigay na impormasyon,” Sen. Bam stressed.

Sen. Bam recalled that government economic managers told the Senate during TRAIN deliberations that inflation will not breach the four-percent mark. Last month, the country’s inflation reached 4.6 percent.

“Ang paglalaan ng pondo ay batay sa mga prayoridad ng gobyerno. Kung hindi nila bibigyan ng pondo ang libreng kolehiyo, ibig sabihin, hindi ito mahalaga para sa kanila,” Sen. Bam maintained.

“Isa pa, hindi namin hahayaan sa Senado na hindi mapondohan ang batas na ito, na layong suportahan ang mahihirap ng Pilipino na umasenso sa tulong ng edukasyon,” added Sen. Bam. 

Sen. Bam: NFA still prone to mismanagement, corruption

What about the corruption allegations surrounding National Food Authority administrator Jason Aquino?

Sen. Bam Aquino said the government should look into allegations against Aquino rather than entrust him with the task of importing thousands of metric tons of rice.

“Dahil sa kanyang kapalpakan, tumaas ang presyo ng bigas at nadagdagan ang pasan ng pamilyang Pilipino,” said Sen. Bam, who earlier called for the resignation of the NFA administrator.

”Ano na ba ang nangyari sa mga alegasyon laban sa pamunuan ng NFA? Ngayong may dumating na bigas, baka maulit lang ang nangyari at maubos na naman agad ang buffer stock sa kamay ng mga traders,” added Sen. Bam.

During a Senate hearing on the rice issue, Jason Aquino admitted that the agency failed to comply with required 15-day buffer stock since last year. 

 Sen. Bam said this drove the prices of commercial rice up, burdening poor Filipino families further.

“Nangyari ito dahil sa kapabayaan ng NFA sa kanilang tungkulin, at hindi dahil sa NFA Council,” said Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam said the President’s removal of the powers of NFA Council chairman and Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr. was unnecessary and leaves the NFA even more prone to corruption and impunity.

“Bakit sinisisi si Evasco na ang tanging gusto lang ay hindi mahaluan ng katiwalian ang proseso ng pag-aangkat ng bigas,” said Sen. Bam. 

Evasco was pushing for a government-to-private mode of procurement to make the process more transparent while Aquino wanted a government-to-government mode, which is prone to corruption.

 

‘No one, no place is safe’ – Sen. Bam expresses concern over murder of Father Nilo

Senator Bam Aquino expressed serious concerns over the death of Father Richmond Nilo and other priests, saying it underscores the growing culture of impunity and escalating violence in our country. 

“Nangyari ito sa isang sagradong lugar, sa harap ng maraming tao. Kung hindi pa tayo natatakot at nababahala, hindi ko na po alam,” said Sen. Bam, as he visited the priest’s wake in Nueva Ecija.

“Wala nang ligtas kahit sino, kahit saan. Pati loob ng ating mga simbahan pinasok na ng karahasan,” Sen. Bam added. 

As a response, Sen. Bam will file a resolution to investigate the peace and order situation in the country in light of the flagrant killings of religious leaders. 

The senator said the deaths of the three Catholic priests in public and out in the open has roused fear and deep anguish to Filipinos who find comfort in their faith and religious community.

He added that the incidents merit a probe so Congress can support the quest for justice and strengthen efforts to ensure the safety and security of our country’s religious leaders.

Last June 10, 2018, Father Nilo, was shot by two unknown assailants as he was walking towards the altar to preside over Sunday mass at a small chapel of Nuestra Senora dela Nieve, in Barangay Mayamot in Zaragoza, Nueva Ecija. 

There have been 4 known attacks on Catholic priests in the past 6 months, resulting in 3 deaths.

“Ito ba ang peace and order na pinangako ng administrasyon? Ang mga mahihirap at mga tagapagtanggol ng mga mahihirap ang nabibiktima,” Sen. Bam stressed.

Kahit sorry man lang, wala – Sen. Bam Aquino on the harassment of Filipino fishermen

If the government won’t issue a diplomatic protest against China for taking away the catch of Filipino fishermen, the least it could do is to demand an apology from its perceived ally, according to Sen. Bam Aquino. 

“Dapat maghain ng pormal na protesta ang pamahalaan laban sa ginawa ng Chinese coast guard sa ating mga mangingisda. Pero kahit sorry, hindi man lang hiningi,” said Sen. Bam. 

Earlier, a television station aired a video where Chinese coast guard personnel were shown taking the catch from Filipino fishermen. 

“Nanakawan, inaapi pa ang ating mga mangingisda. Kampihan naman natin ang ating mga kababayan,” the senator said. 

“Napaka-strikto ng administrasyon pagdating sa ating mamamayan. Ngunit kapag isyu na ng China, napakaluwag sa mga patakaran,” Sen. Bam added. 

If the government will not do anything to address this incident, Sen. Bam said the Chinese coast guard will be emboldened to commit more abuses against the Filipino people. 

“Hindi natin kailangang humingi ng permiso mula sa China dahil teritoryo natin ang kanilang inangkin,” added Sen. Bam. 

Sen. Bam also reiterated his call to the government to assert the country’s victory in the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), which declared that Filipino fishermen have traditional fishing rights to the waters of Scarborough Shoal. 

“Makinig tayo sa panawagan ni Acting Chief Justice Carpio. Sayang lang ang panalo ng Pilipinas sa PCA kung hindi gagamitin para ipaglaban ang atin mga mangingisda,” Sen. Bam said. 

Earlier, Sen. Bam urged the Senate to take the lead in defending the country amid China’s militarization of our seas. 

The senator said that a strong and independent Senate can and should investigate all our dealings with China, especially when the rights and livelihood of our countrymen are at risk.

Sen. Bam asserts independence from China

As the nation celebrates Independence Day, families are drowning from rising prices and Filipino fishermen are bullied out of Philippine waters, said Sen. Bam Aquino.

“Ipinagdiriwang natin ang Araw ng Kalayaan ngunit marami sa mga kapatid nating mangingisda ay hindi malayang mangisda sa sarili nating karagatan,” said Sen. Bam Aquino.

“Ninanakawan na at inaapi ang ating mga kapatid na mangingisda ngunit tila walang ginagawa ang pamahalaan para protektahan ang kanilang kapakanan,” added Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam was referring to claims by several fishermen during a press conference in Malacanang that China is dictating the movement of vessels over the Panatag shoal through its coast guard ships in the area.

One of the fishermen claimed that the Chinese coast guard is blocking access of bigger Filipino fishing vessels to the shoal’s lagoon.

“We shouldn’t need China’s permission to fish in our own waters,” said Sen. Bam.

Earlier, Sen. Bam urged the Senate to take the lead in defending the country amid China’s militarization of our seas.

“If Malacañang will not side with the Filipino people on this issue, then the Senate can take the lead in defending our country,” said Sen. Bam, adding that a strong and independent Senate can and should investigate all our dealings with China, especially when the rights and livelihood of our countrymen are at risk.

Sen. Bam added that if the government continues its defeatist mentality, China will be more emboldened to commit more abuses to our territory and against the Filpino people.

Sen. Bam supports VAT reduction to ease burden of price surge, TRAIN Law

Senator Bam Aquino expressed support behind the move to reduce value-added tax (VAT) to 10 percent, saying it will help ease the burden of high prices of goods and services on Filipinos, especially the poor.

“Suportado natin ang pagbaba sa VAT at mga panukalang magbibigay ginhawa sa mga pamilyang nalulunod na sa pagtaas ng presyo. Mahalagang aksyunan na natin ito,” said Sen. Bam, one of four senators who voted against the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law.

While he supports the move, Sen. Bam promises to ensure that the exemptions under the VAT will remain, including those given to cooperatives, senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs).

“Kailangan nang isalba ang mga Pilipinong nasagasaan ng TRAIN law. Kung ang pagbaba ng VAT uunahin ng Senado, susuportahan natin ito,” said Sen. Bam.

In the Senate, Sen. Panfilo Lacson and Risa Hontiveros have been pushing for the lowering of VAT.

“Patuloy rin naming ilalaban ang pag-preno sa TRAIN at pag-roll-back ng excise tax. Kailangan gawin ang lahat ng ating makakaya upang tulungan ang mga pamilyang hirap na hirap na,” Sen. Bam added.

As part of his efforts to ease the burden of the TRAIN Law on Filipinos, Sen. Bam has filed a measure seeking to suspend the collection of the excise tax under the government’s tax reform program once the average inflation rate surpasses the annual inflation target over a three-month period.

In addition, Sen. Bam is pushing for the full implementation of mitigating measures under the TRAIN Law, such as the unconditional cash transfer program for poor families and the Pantawid Pasada for jeepney operators and drivers.

Sen. Bam has also filed a resolution calling for an investigation regarding the implementation of the unconditional cash transfer to ensure if the amount is still sufficient to cover the increase in prices of goods and other services.

Sen. Bam on the mounting issues with China

China continues to harass our fishermen, militarize our seas and threaten our sovereignty.
 
If Malacañang will not side with the Filipino people on this issue, then the Senate can take the lead in defending our country.
 
A strong and independent Senate can and should investigate all our dealings with China, especially when the rights and livelihood of our countrymen are at risk. 
 
If continued, this defeatist mentality will just lead to even more abuses.

Sen. Bam Aquino: Tama na, sobra na ang pagdadahilan sa taas-presyo

Instead of making excuses and misleading statements, Senator Bam Aquino called on the government to extend immediate assistance to Filipinos by finding solutions to the rising prices of goods and services due to the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law.

 “Huwag na nating paikutin ang mamamayan para ipagtanggol ang TRAIN Law,” said Sen. Bam, one of four senators who voted against the government’s tax reform program.

“Tama na, sobra na ang pagpapahirap sa Pilipino. Labanan at solusyunan na lang ang pagtaas ng presyo,” added Sen. Bam.

 Sen. Bam was referring to a GMA News report, where the National Economic Development Authority said that a family of five can survive on P10,000 a month, or P127 daily for food.

“Marami na ngang nasagasaan at nalulunod na sa pagtaas ng presyo, huwag na bilugin ang mga Pilipino. Tama na ang mga palusot, tulungan na lang natin ang mga pamilyang nahihirapan,” added Sen. Bam.

 “Hindi na nga makahinga ang mga Pilipino sa sikip ng sinturon, binibilog at niloloko pa natin ang mga tao para lang maidepensa ang minadali nilang Train Law,” added Sen. Bam.

As part of his push to ease the burden on the public, Sen. Bam has filed a measure seeking to roll back the excise tax on fuel under the TRAIN Law when average inflation rate surpasses the annual inflation target over a three-month period.

In a separate resolution, Sen. Bam also sought the review of the unconditional cash transfer program under the TRAIN Law. Six months after the implementation of the TRAIN Law, the government has yet to fully roll out the unconditional cash transfer program.

Sen. Bam also pushed for the full implementation of the Pantawid Pasada program, which aims to help jeepney operators and drivers cope with the increase in price of diesel fuel.

Sen. Bam: Pati pag-aaral ng kabataan nasagasaan ng TRAIN

Senator Bam Aquino expressed fear that high prices of goods and services due to the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law might force poor families to sacrifice the education of their children.

“Dahil sa pagtaas ng presyo, maraming mahihihirap na estudyante ang maaaring hindi na makapag-aral,” said Sen. Bam, one of our senators who voted against the TRAIN Law.

“Tumaas na ang cost of living pero hindi pa rin nadadagdagan ang kita ng mga manggagawa. Dahil kulang na ang suweldo, maaaring masakripisyo na ang pag-aaral ng mahihirap na estudyante,” added Sen. Bam.

“Ilang kabataan kaya ngayon ang di na nakapag-enroll dahil hirap ang mga magulang sa pagtustos ng mga gastusin dahil sa pagtaas ng presyo ng mga bilihin,” the senator queried.

Due to the high prices of goods and services, Sen. Bam said the value of government’s assistance programs, such as the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps) and the free college education, to the poor has eroded.

“Hindi na sapat ang tulong ng 4Ps para matugunan ang pangangailangan ng mahihirap na Pilipino. Buti na lang at may libreng kolehiyo na,” said Sen. Bam, the principal sponsor of the free college law in the Senate.

Aside from filing a resolution seeking to review the unconditional cash transfer program under the TRAIN Law, Sen. Bam has filed a measure seeking to roll back TRAIN’s excise tax on fuel when average inflation rate surpasses the annual inflation target over a three-month period.

Also, Sen. Bam also renewed his call for the full implementation of the unconditional cash transfer program, which will help alleviate the increase in high prices of goods and services caused by the TRAIN Law.

During a Senate hearing on the TRAIN Law in Legazpi City, Sen. Bam also pushed for the full implementation of the Pantawid Pasada program, which aims to help jeepney operators and drivers cope with the increase in price of diesel fuel.

Also, Sen. Bam wants the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to expand the Pantawid Pasada to other means of transportation, such as UV Express, tricycles and to fishermen as well.

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