The passage of the Affordable Higher Education for All Act via 18-0 vote is a clear message to Filipinos that education is an utmost priority in the Senate, Sen. Bam Aquino emphasized.

“The Senate sent a strong signal to the Filipino people with an 18-0 vote for the passage of the Affordable Higher Education for All Act,” Sen. Bam said in his endorsement speech for the appointment of Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones.

“Our priority is education. We are investing in educating our countrymen and arming them with the knowledge and skills to build a better future for their family,” Sen. Bam told members of the Commission on Appointments.

In his earlier manifestation after the measure’s approval, Sen. Bam stressed that the Affordable Higher Education for All Act is the best investment that the country can undertake for the future of the students and the next generation.

Sen. Bam also thanked students, saying their everyday plight inspired lawmakers to pass the measure, which will provide free tuition fee in state colleges and universities and strengthen the government’s scholarship programs in private higher educational institutions.

 “Alam natin ang pinagdadaanan ng mga estudyante, kung gaano kahirap ang kinalalagyan at kung gaano nila kailangan ang batas na ito,” said Sen. Bam, who acted as principal sponsor and co-author of Senate Bill No. 1304.

The senator defended the measure during interpellation before he was removed as chairman of the Committee on Education and replaced by Sen. Chiz Escudero.

During his manifestation, Sen. Bam thanked Sen. Escudero for allowing him to finish work on the measure until its passage.

 The senator also lauded the Senate’s concerted effort, thanking fellow senators who helped develop and strengthen the measure during interpellation and period of amendments.

 “Nothing that passes through the Senate can be attributed to one person alone, one office alone which is why this team effort from across the aisle must be recognized,” said Sen. Bam.

 Sen. Bam also acknowledged concerned government agencies and private stakeholders for their contribution in tackling the different provisions of the measure.