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Sen. Bam: Trabaho Center Bill to help ease burden of finding employment

The Trabaho Center Bill filed by re-electionist Sen. Bam Aquino will help ease the burden and struggles of looking for employment once it is enacted into law.


“Pagkatapos ng ilang taong pag-aaral, panibagong kalbaryo naman ang susuungin ng ating mga estudyante para makahanap ng trabaho at makatulong sa kanilang pamilya,” said Sen. Bam.


“Sa tulong ng Trabaho Center Bill, masosolusyunan na ang mahirap, matagal at magastos na proseso ng paghahanap ng trabaho,” said Sen. Bam, author of Senate Bill No. 1278 or the Trabaho Center Bill.


According to Sen. Bam, the bill aims to solve the prevalent problem of jobs mismatch and high unemployment rate in the country.
The measure seeks to establish Trabaho Centers or job placement offices in public high schools and state universities and colleges (SUCs).


The Trabaho Center will provide services such as Industry matching, career counseling, and employment facilitation.
“Sa tulong ng Trabaho Centers, pagtatagpuin ang mga kompanya na naghahanap ng trabaho at mga estudyanteng naghahanap ng trabaho,” said Sen. Bam.


To ensure employability of students upon graduation, the Trabaho Center will gather feedback from employers to better develop the school’s curriculum and training programs.


The senator described the Trabaho Center Bill as the next step to ensure employment for all graduates who benefitted from the Free College Law, which he pushed as principal sponsor.


“Itodo na natin ang tulong sa mga estudyanteng nakinabang sa libreng kolehiyo sa pamamagitan ng pagtiyak na mayroon silang magandang trabaho pagtanggap nila ng diploma,” said Sen. Bam.

Labor group calls Sen. Bam as workers’ ally in the Senate, backs his re-election bid

Support from different sectoral groups continues to pour in for the re-election bid of Sen. Bam Aquino, this time coming from a labor organization representing workers from the public and private sectors.

In its 17th General Assembly on Saturday, the Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa or SENTRO declared its full backing for Sen. Bam for being a reliable partner when it comes to workers’ welfare in the Senate.

“Noon pa man, tumutulong na si Sen. Bam sa mga isyung may kinalaman sa ating mga manggagawa at sa sektor ng transportasyon,” said Josua Mata, secretary general of SENTRO.

According to Mata, Sen. Bam was the only senator who listened to SENTRO’s suggestion on the modernization of private utility jeepneys (PUJs) and worked closely with the group in the crafting of the Security of Tenure Bill.

During the event, Sen. Bam also signed a memorandum of agreement with SENTRO, represented by its chairperson Daniel Edralin, committing to work for the betterment of the workers and the transport sector.

In his speech, Sen. Bam said he filed Senate Bill No. 2056 or the “Makatarungang Transisyon Tungo sa Modernisasyon” with the support from SENTRO and other transport organizations, such as the National Confederation of Transportworkers Union (NCTU), ACTO, and Philippine Advocates for Transport Convergence.

The measure aims to make jeepneys safer and more efficient for commuters and the environment, while ensuring the livelihood of drivers and their families.

“Inihain natin ang nasabing panukala nang malaman nating malaking isyu sa transport sector ang pinaplanong PUV modernization ng gobyerno na posibleng mauwi sa pagkawala ng kanilang kabuhayan,” said Sen. Bam.

In 2016, Sen. Bam worked closely with SENTRO before filing Senate Bill No. 174 or the Security of Tenure Bill, which is aimed at ending the practice of contractualization in the country.

If he wins a second term, Sen. Bam promised to push for the passage of the Security of Tenure Bill and other labor-related measures.

“Dapat sa 18th Congress, maipasa na ang Security of Tenure Bill. Na-file na po natin ang panukalang ito noong June 2016,” said Sen. Bam, a co-author and co-sponsor of the Security of Tenure Bill.

SENTRO’s expression of support came after NCTU, one of the biggest transport groups in the country, and Barangay Health Workers (BHW) from different parts of the country backed Sen. Bam’s candidacy.

Barangay health workers pledge full support for Sen. Bam

Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) from across the country have thrown their full support behind the re-election bid of Sen. Bam Aquino as they believe in his track record in helping the basic sectors of society.

In a manifesto signed during its meeting in Legazpi City, the Barangay Health Workers (BHW) Party List said Sen. Bam will help push its proposals for the betterment of the sector it represents. The meeting was attended by around 400 to 500 BHWs.

“We firmly believe that Sen. Bam Aquino, whose ideals are for the betterment of the Filipino people, shall specifically champion these special concerns in the Upper House,” the group said in its manifesto.

“In order for him to champion this cause, we are signifying our utmost support by giving him our solid vote this coming May 13, 2019 Senatorial Elections,” it added.

The support from BHWs adds to the list of different sectors, like the transportation sector, signifying support for Sen. Bam, citing his important role in the Senate in advancing sectoral interest.

Among the advocacies being pushed by BHW Party List is the capacity building for BHWs through training and workshop for them to effectively exercise their duties.

Also, the party list is pushing for sufficient financial empowerment for BHWs such as monthly honorarium through the Department of Health (DOH), Philhealth coverage and pension plan.

The group also pushes for the implementation of the benefits under Republic Act No. 7883 or the Act Granting Benefits and Incentives to Accredited Barangay Health Workers and security of tenure for BHWs.

For his part, Sen. Bam recognized the important role of BHWs play in keeping communities healthy, adding they should be given the proper compensation and other benefits for their efforts.

“Isa sa mga kinikilala natin na mga bayani ay ang ating masisipag na Baranggay Health Workers,” said Sen. Bam, underscoring their role in the dissemination of health-related information in the communities.

“Importante sila sa pagpapalaganap ng mga impormasyon para sa kalusugan,” added Sen. Bam, who filed Senate Bill No. 700 or the “Support for Barangay Workers Act”, which provide assistance to BHWs and barangay tanod.

The measure calls for the payment of honoraria, Philhealth coverage and free legal service through government lawyers for BHWs.

Sen. Bam’s re-election bid gets boost from major transport group

The re-election bid of Sen. Bam Aquino received a major boost with the endorsement from one of the major transport organizations in the country.

In their meeting in Lipa, Batangas, the National Confederation of Transportworkers Union (NCTU) expressed full support behind Sen. Bam, whom they consider as a dependable ally against the government’s oppressive modernization plan and the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law.

“Malaking bagay ang pag-endorso ng NCTU, na isang malaking grupo ng transport sector. Kasama natin sila sa paglaban sa TRAIN Law at nag-file din kami ng makatarungang modernization bill na mula mismo sa kanilang sektor,” said Sen. Bam.

In his speech, Sen. Bam renewed his commitment to work for the removal of excise tax on petroleum products under the TRAIN Law and push for the passage of an acceptable modernization bill for the transport sector.

Earlier, Sen. Bam filed a public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization bill with the support from NCTU, Sentro, ACTO, and Philippine Advocates for Transport Convergence.

In his Senate Bill No. 2056, Sen. Bam seeks to make jeepneys safer and more efficient for commuters and the environment, while ensuring the livelihood of drivers and their families.

“Hindi sila tutol sa modernisasyon. Ang tanging gusto nila ay modernisasyon na walang matatanggalan ng hanapbuhay, walang maiipit at mapeperhuwisyo na mga nagmamaneho ng jeep na nagtatrabaho para sa kanilang pamilya,” said Sen. Bam.

If passed into law, jeepneys will be tested based on road-worthiness and financial assistance will be given to owners who need to upgrade their jeepneys. Drivers that wish to shift careers will also be given sufficient compensation.

“Kapag naisabatas ang panukalang ito, magkakaroon tayo ng modernisasyon na katanggap-tanggap sa transport sector at sa mga mananakay,” he said.

Sen. Bam backs education reform agenda of teachers’ group, eyes more assistance for educators

Re-electionist Sen. Bam Aquino  has committed to push for the welfare of the education sector, including salary increase to teachers and other education support personnel in public and private educational institutions.

Sen. Bam underscored his support by agreeing to a pledge of commitment with the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT).  The senator was represented by his policy head Paola Deles while Joselyn Martinez signed in behalf of ACT as its national chairperson.

“Kasama tayo ng ACT sa isinusulong nilang mga reporma sa sektor ng edukasyon, kabilang na ang dagdag na benepisyo sa ating mga guro na napakalaki ng papel na ginagampanan sa pagpapalago ng lipunan,” said Sen. Bam, vice chairman of the Committee on Education.

Aside from the salary increase for teachers, Sen. Bam has promised to work with ACT for the improvement of the benefits package to secure the welfare of education workers and to ensure the sufficient fund for free education in all levels.

The two sides also agreed to work together to review of the education curriculum to make it attuned to the present needs and ensure the full exercise of rights of education workers.

During his time as chairman of the Committee on Education, Sen. Bam worked with ACT in the crafting of the Free College Law, which he pushed as principal sponsor.

“Ang pagpasa ng batas sa libreng kolehiyo ay una pa lang sa mga reporma na nais nating isulong. Kapag tayo’y nakabalik sa Senado, uunahin natin ang dagdag na benepisyo ng ating mga guro,” said Sen. Bam.

As part of the Makabayan bloc, ACT is one of the groups that expressed support behind the candidacy of Sen. Bam.

Earlier, Sen. Bam has committed to pursue the passage of his Trabaho Center Bill that will help ensure job availability for K-12 and college students once they receive their diploma.

Sen. Bam: Support from Filipino people key to good showing in surveys, mock polls

Re-electionist Sen. Bam Aquino made it to the Magic 12 of the recent surveys and mock polls, which he attributed to the growing support and confidence of the Filipino people.


“Buong puso tayong nagpapasalamat sa patuloy na suporta at tiwala ng taumbayan sa akin sa kabila ng kabi-kabilang fake news na ibinabato sa atin,” said Sen. Bam.


“Ang inyong tiwala ay nagsisilbing lakas ko upang lalo pang magpursige sa napakahalagang laban na ito kung saan kinabukasan ng ating bansa ang nakataya,” added Sen. Bam.


Sen. Bam recently topped the survey conducted by the Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral ng mga Paaralang Loyola ng Ateneo de Manila while he finished 4th in a “Bantay Boto” poll conducted at University of the Philippines Diliman.


Sen. Bam placed 5th in the mock election held by the University of San Carlos School of Law and Governance and sixth in mock polls held at UP Baguio and at Philippine Normal University.


In a survey conducted by the Carl Balita Review Centers involving around 4,536 respondents from its 110 branches in different parts of the country, Sen. Bam ranked 8th with 38.7 percent. 


In the Magdalo pre-election survey conducted from March 5 to 7, Sen. Bam finished 9th with 32.6 percent. 


Sen. Bam said his impressive showing in mock polls will further inspire him to reach more Filipinos and listen to their concerns and needs.
“Mahalagang mapakinggan natin ang boses ng taumbayan dahil dito nakabatay ang ating mga ginagawa at patuloy pang gagawin sa Senado,” said Sen. Bam.


“Kung papalarin tayo, isusulong natin ang panukala na magbibigay ng siguradong trabaho para sa ating K-12 at college graduates sa tulong ng Trabaho Centers,” the senator added.

Sen. Bam vows to work for passage of Trabaho Center Bill to help ensure jobs for graduates

Re-electionist Sen. Bam Aquino has committed to pursue the passage of a measure that will help ensure job availability for K-12 and college students once they receive their diploma.


“Kasunod ng pagsusulong natin ng batas sa libreng kolehiyo, nais naman nating tiyakin na may siguradong trabaho ang mga graduate sa tulong ng Trabaho Centers,” said Sen. Bam, the principal sponsor of the Free College Law.


“Nakapaghain na tayo ng batas na maglalagay ng Trabaho Centers sa ating mga pampublikong paaralan. Mahalaga lang na masigurong maisasabatas ito sa susunod na Kongreso,” added Sen. Bam.


In the 17th Congress, Sen. Bam filed Senate Bill No. 1278 or Trabaho Center Bill, which seeks to establish job placement offices in public high schools and state universities and colleges (SUCs).


The measure mandates the establishment of a Trabaho Center in every public high school and SUC with main services that include: 1) Industry Matching, 2) Career Counseling, and 3) Employment Facilitation.


The legislation aims to address the skills mismatch and ensure employability of students upon graduation by using feedback from employers to better develop the school’s curriculum and training programs.
“Sa tulong ng Trabaho Centers, pagtatagpuin ang mga kompanya na naghahanap ng trabaho at mga estudyanteng naghahanap ng trabaho,” said Sen. Bam.


The senator believes that the passage of the Trabaho Center Bill is the next step to ensure employment for all graduates who benefitted from the Free College Law.


“Ang bawat Pilipinong nakinabang sa libreng kolehiyo ay dapat may siguradong trabaho. Iyan ang sisigiruhin natin kung papalarin tayo ng isa pang termino,” said Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam: Inagaw na nga ang ating isla, pati buhangin gusto pang angkinin

Re-electionist Sen. Bam Aquino stressed the need to probe the entry of an African-flagged dredging ship with Chinese crew in Lobo River in Batangas, saying the incident is a clear encroachment of the country’s internal seas.

“Inagaw na nga nila ang mga isla natin, pati ba naman buhangin, gusto pa nlang angkinin,” said Sen. Bam, referring to a report that the sand that will be extracted from the Lobo River will be used for the expansion of the Hong Kong airport.

“Nakakaalarma ang insidenteng ito dahil malinaw na ito’y panghihimasok na sa karagatang sakop ng Pilipinas,” Sen. Bam pointed out, adding that he plans to file a resolution investigating the matter.

MV Emerald, a Sierra Leone-flagged dredging ship, managed to get an environmental compliance certificate (ECC) through a Filipino firm to operate before it was suspended recently by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

However, the ship lacked a permit to operate and a permit to transport from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and a permit to dredge from the local government of Lobo, Batangas.

Sen. Bam suggested that the ship is only a Trojan Horse, pretending to undertake a normal business operation for siltation removal, but its main agenda is to take sand from the country’s waters to be used for other purposes.

“Hindi natin dapat palampasin ang insidenteng ito at dapat alamin kung sinu-sino ang nasa likod nito at kung bakit ito hinayaang makapasok sa bansa nang ganun-ganun na lang,” said Sen. Bam.

In addition, Sen. Bam underscore the need to protect the area, known in the global scientific community as Verde Island Passage, since it is considered as the center of the center of marine shore fish biodiversity in the world, with 60 percent of the world’s shore fish species live in these waters between Batangas and Mindoro.

“Magpakita sana ng puwersa ang ating mga awtoridad para malaman ng buong mundo na hindi tayo magpapabraso sa mga nais magnakaw ng ating likas na yaman,” Sen. Bam added.

Fellow senators defend Sen. Bam’s role in free college law

Several senators came out to defend the important role of re-electionist Sen. Bam Aquino in the passage of the free college law.

Senators Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Joel Villanueva and Franklin Drilon all stressed the importance of Sen. Bam’s hard work in passing the landmark that is being enjoyed by millions of Filipino students.

It was Sen. Lacson who first recognized Sen. Bam’s work via a tweet, saying the young senator should be given credit for the passage of the free college law as he was the one who defended it from the thorough questioning of his fellow senators.

In an interview, Sen. Lacson lauded Sen. Bam for his determination in passing the Free College Law as its principal sponsor.

“Kapag napag-uusapan ang libreng matrikula sa kolehiyo, ang unang naiisip ko, si Senador Bam Aquino. Alam kong siya ang nagtiyagang itulak ito sa Senado bilang author at principal sponsor ng Free Tuition Law,” Sen. Lacson said.

Sen. Drilon, for his part, said Sen. Bam was instrumental in making the free college law a reality to give the country’s youth a chance at a bright future.

“He’s a man who is sincerely concerned for our welfare- especially sa future ng kabataan,” said Sen. Drilon, who also recognized Sen. Bam as a dependable ally of the Filipino people in the Senate.

Sen. Villanueva also recognized Sen. Bam’s determination in pushing for the passage of the free college law.

Sa pagsusulong po ng Free Tuition Law, naging major major kasangga po natin si Senator Bam Aquino,” said Sen. Villanueva, adding that Sen. Bam deserves a second term in the Senate.

“Palaging handang magsilbi sa bayan. Iyan po si Senator Bam Aquino. Ibalik po natin siya sa Senado,” added Sen. Villanueva.

If re-elected, Sen. Bam has committed to push for the enactment of his Trabaho Center Bill, which seeks to address the problems of jobs mismatch and unemployment in the country.

The bill seeks to establish “Trabaho Centers” or Job Placement Offices (JPOs) in public high schools and state universities and colleges (SUCs) to address the skills mismatch and ensure employability of students upon graduation.

Lawmaker, religious groups: Sen. Bam has virtues of a good public servant

Re-electionist Sen. Bam Aquino has all the virtues and characteristics of a good lawmaker and a public servant, according to a fellow senator and group of religious organizations.


In an interview, Sen. Grace Poe described Sen. Bam as a lawmaker with a conscience and a heart for the welfare of the Filipino people.


“May konsensiya si Sen. Bam,” said Sen. Poe, adding that “bilang isang senador, siya talaga ay may prinsipyo.”


“Ang importante ay ginagawa kung ano ang makakabuti para sa ating mga kababayan,” added Sen. Poe as she expressing support behind the re-election bid of Sen. Bam.


The People’s Choice Movement, for its part, has selected Sen. Bam as one of the 10 senatorial candidates it will support and campaign for in the May elections.


Composed of Catholic, Evangelical and Protestant groups, the PCM selected the 10 candidates based on their character and honor, competence and abilities, faithfulness to public service and faithfulness to God, the Constitution and the laws.


After the voting participated in by 130 representatives from various religious organizations, Sen. Bam emerged on top with 120 votes, a statement of their belief in his character and his capacity to serve the people.


“Bilang Kristiyano, nagbibigay inspirasyon at pag-asa ang pagkapili nila sa amin lalo na dumaan ito sa matinding pagsusuri at pagninilay,” Sen. Bam said.


In an interview, Sen. Grace Poe described Sen. Bam as a lawmaker with a conscience and a heart for the welfare of the Filipino people.
“May konsensiya si Sen. Bam,” said Sen. Poe, adding that “bilang isang senador, siya talaga ay may prinsipyo.”


“Ang importante ay ginagawa kung ano ang makakabuti para sa ating mga kababayan,” added Sen. Poe as she expressing support behind the re-election bid of Sen. Bam.


The People’s Choice Movement, for its part, has selected Sen. Bam as one of the 10 senatorial candidates it will support and campaign for in the May elections.


Composed of Catholic, Evangelical and Protestant groups, the PCM selected the 10 candidates based on their character and honor, competence and abilities, faithfulness to public service and faithfulness to God, the Constitution and the laws.


After the voting participated in by 130 representatives from various religious organizations, Sen. Bam emerged on top with 120 votes, a statement of their belief in his character and his capacity to serve the people.


“Bilang Kristiyano, nagbibigay inspirasyon at pag-asa ang pagkapili nila sa amin lalo na dumaan ito sa matinding pagsusuri at pagninilay,” Sen. Bam said.

representatives from various religious organizations, Sen. Bam emerged on top with 120 votes, a statement of their belief in his character and his capacity to serve the people.


“Bilang Kristiyano, nagbibigay inspirasyon at pag-asa ang pagkapili nila sa amin lalo na dumaan ito sa matinding pagsusuri at pagninilay,” Sen. Bam said.

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