Issues

Bam: National ID is for gov’t services and safety, not discrimination

A senator clarified that the national ID system should be used for government services and to promote safety, not to encourage discrimination, following reports that local government units (LGUs) wish to issue IDs only to Muslims.

Sen. Bam Aquino filed Senate Bill 917 or the Filipino Identification System Act, which seeks to establish a unified identification system that will be used as sole required identification in any government transaction. The ID system will be implemented by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

​​“This ​should pave the way to more effective ways of delivering government services such as anti-poverty programs and other social services to improve the quality of life for all,” said Sen. Bam. “Let’s not allow it to be used as a tool for discrimination.”

“Singling Muslims out, giving them an ID and branding them as a potential threat will not make our communities safer. It will only sow animosity,” stressed Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam made the pronouncement after the DILG and police chief De La Rosa released statements encouraging the moves of some local officials to issue identification cards to Muslims in their areas to help them identify individuals linked to terrorist groups.

“​Gamitin natin ng tama ang ID system, para protektahan at bigyan ng mga benepisyo ang Pilipino. Huwag natin gamitin para mang-api ng mga sektor,” Sen. Bam stressed.

Sen. Bam also filed the Anti-Discrimination Act or Senate Bill No. 683 to prohibit and penalize discrimination on the basis of religion or belief, ethnicity, race, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, civil status and HIV status.

Sen. Bam to PNP: Stop sending delinquent cops to Mindanao

A senator seconded the Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana’s appeal, urging the Philippine National Police (PNP) to rethink its policy of deploying erring policemen to Mindanao, saying the move will reduce public trust in the police further.

“Filipinos deserve an upstanding police force. Delinquent cops should be fired, not just reassigned and sent to Mindanao,” said Sen. Bam Aquino.

“Napakahalaga na may tiwala ang tao sa pulis, lalong lalo na sa Mindanao kung saan may Martial Law at banta ng terorismo. We should send our best and brightest, not those who abuse their power,” added Sen. Bam.

 Sen. Bam made the statement after the PNP shipped to Marawi two Mandaluyong policemen who were caught in video hitting using a “yantok” nightstick the two men they arrested for drinking on the sidewalk.

“Ang mga pulis na nang-aagrabyado ng taumbayan at gumagawa ng katiwalian ay dapat managot at matanggal sa puwesto. Marami sa mga pulis na nagtatrabaho nang maayos ang nadadamay sa kanilang ginagawang kapalpakan,” stressed Sen. Bam.

 In the 17th Congress, Sen. Bam filed a bill that aims to strengthen the Internal Affairs Service (IAS) of the PNP to instill better discipline and performance among policemen.

 “The PNP must clamp down on crime and corruption while fully abiding by the law and respecting basic human rights,” Sen. Bam said in Senate Bill No. 1285 or the PNP Internal Affairs Service Modernization Act.

The bill was endorsed by the IAS and was subsequently filed by Sen. Aquino to help the PNP’s efforts to get rid of bad eggs in the organization.

 The measure seeks to strengthen the IAS with provisions for autonomy and independence in its administration and operations and empowering it to instill discipline and enhance the performance of personnel and units of the PNP at all levels of its command.

 “The bill expands the motu-propio investigation powers of the IAS to cover all acts and omissions by PNP officers which might discredit them or hinder them from rendering their services effectively,” said Sen. Bam.

 In addition, the measure mandates the prioritization of IAS functions, which promote character building, and carry out inspections, audits, intelligence operations and rehabilitation among officers.

 By increasing the authority and mandate of the IAS within every branch of the PNP, Sen. Bam hopes the police will better protect the public and honor their duties.

Sen. Bam seeks probe on implementation of Air Passenger Bill of Rights

A senator seeks to determine whether the Air Passenger Bill of Rights is being implemented properly amid reports that airlines still charge fees for rebooking, rerouting and cancellations and employ unclear policies that often lead to confusion among passengers.

 In Senate Resolution No. 414, Sen. Bam Aquino said the probe will focus on service-related issues and the airline carriers’ policies on fares, fees and other charges.

 In 2012, the Department of Transportation and Communications and the Department of Trade and Industry released Joint Administrative Order No. 01 or the Air Passengers Bill of Rights, with the goal of promoting balance, fairness, and reasonableness between the passengers and the airline carriers.

 “But air passengers still complain about excessive fees for rebooking and confusing services policies,” said Sen. Bam.

 The senator cited the recommendation of the Department of Justice-Office for Competition, contained in its report dated September 23, 2015, to air carriers operating in the Philippines to adopt international best practices and clarify their policies for rebooking and foregoing flights for various reasons.

 While deregulation of the airline industry resulted in lower airfares, the DOJ-OFC Report indicated that it has given airline carriers much independence in determining their policies regarding fares, fees and other costs.

  “It reached the point where customers have no choice but to accept their rules,” Sen. Bam said.

 In addition, Sen. Bam said airlines still charge customers substantial amount for rebooking, rerouting or cancellation of flights.

  “Our airlines can do better. Let’s improve our services for airline passengers and enhance the travel experience in the Philippines,” the senator emphasized.

BIDA KA!: Tutukan ang kapakanan ng senior citizens

Mga Bida, kamakailan ay naki­pagpulong tayo sa ilang mga grupo ng senior citizens sa bansa kung saan inilabas nila ang mga problema at hamon na kinakaharap ng kanilang sektor.

Sa nasabing pulong, sinabi ni ­Oscar Ricafuerte, secretary general ng Fe­deration of Senior Citizens Associations of the Philippines (FSCAP) na hindi ganap na natutugunan ng kasalukuyang National Coordinating and Monitoring Board (NCMB) ang pangangailangan ng senior citizens.

Ayon kay Ginoong Ricafuerte, isang senior citizen lang ang miyembro ng nasabing board kaya madalas, hindi akma ang mga programang inilalatag nito para sa kanila.

Maliban pa rito, hindi rin sila nakokonsulta sa mahahalagang isyu at mga panukalang batas, tulad na lang ng Centenarians Act. 

Aniya, kung nabigyan lang sila ng pagkakataong sumali sa pagbalangkas nito, ipinanukala nila na dapat pagsapit pa lang ng 80-anyos ay binibigyan na ng cash incentive upang mapakinabangan nang husto ng mga senior citizen.

Sa isyu naman ng senior citizen’s ID, iginiit ni Ginoong Ricafuerte na dapat mabigyan ito ng seryosong pansin upang maiwasan ang pamemeke, bagay na hindi matututukan ng karaniwang board lang gaya ng NCMB.

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Para naman kay Nanay Salve Basiano ng Pederasyon ng mga Maralitang Nakakatanda, natutuwa sila sa pagsisikap ng NCMB upang matugunan ang pangangailangan at problema ng mga nakatatanda.

Subalit para kay Nanay Salve, mas maganda kung mayroong isang komisyon na tututok sa mga totoong pangangailangan ng senior citizens sa bansa.

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Tama ang puntong ito ni Nanay Salve dahil may iba’t ibang komisyon sa pamahalaan na tumututok sa partikular na sektor ng lipunan.

Para sa kabataan, mayroon tayong National Youth Commission (NYC). Pagdating naman sa kababaihan, naririyan ang National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women.

Tumututok naman sa kapakanan ng mga kapatid nating Muslim ang National Commission on Muslim Filipinos habang sa katutubo naman, mayroon tayong National Commission on Indigenous Peoples.

Bilang isang sektor na kinabibilangan ng 7.6 milyong senior citizens, nararapat lang na may tumutok na isang komisyon, lalo pa’t inaasahang dodoble ang kanilang bilang sa 14.2 milyon pagsapit ng 2030 at 22.5 million sa 2045.

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Kaya inihain natin ang Senate Bill No. 674 na layong lumikha ng National Commission for Senior Citizens (NCSC) upang matiyak na protektado ang karapatan at naibibigay ang mga benepisyong nakalaan para sa ating senior citizens.

Kapag naisabatas, bubuwagin na ang NCMB at papalitan na ito ng NCSC, na ang pangunahing tungkulin ay tiyaking naipatutupad nang tama ang Republic Act 7432 o ang Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2015.

Bilang isang pambansang ahensiya, magbabalangkas ang NCSC ng mga polisiya, plano at programa para maitaguyod ang kapakanan ng senior citizen. Sila rin ang tutugon sa mga isyung nakakaapekto sa sektor.

Ang nasabing komisyon ay pamumunuan ng isang chairperson at commissioners mula sa listahang isusumite ng iba’t ibang grupo ng senior citizens. 

Magkakaroon din ito ng sangay sa iba’t ibang local government units na pamumunuan ng regional commissioners upang mabantayan ang kapakanan ng senior citizens sa mga lalawigan.

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Kilala ang mga Pilipino bilang mapag-alaga sa ating mga matatanda. Sa panukalang ito, maipapakita natin na kung gaano kahalaga ang mga senior citizen. 

Ito’y pagkilala sa kanilang napakalaking sakripisyo at kontribusyon sa lipunan at sa pagpapalago ng ating bansa.

Sen. Bam: Gaming can bring jobs and business into PH

Sen. Bam Aquino sees the potential of the gaming industry in bringing honor to the country and creating jobs and livelihood for Filipinos.

 “There is so much potential in our gaming industry,” said Sen. Bam upon hearing that a Filipino team – TNC – qualified again for the prestigious International DOTA 2 Championship, which will be held from August 7 to 12 at KeyArena in Seattle. Last year, TNC placed eighth among 18 countries that joined the event.

Sen. Bam is a supporter of Filipino esports athletes and game development in the Philippines. He helped establish Philippine esports Association (PeSPA) to strengthen the foundation of esports in the country, look after the welfare of cyber athletes and stakeholders and promote esports in the country.

 “We have very talented gamers that are winning big in the world stage. But we also have game developers and local studios that are hired to help create some of the most popular games,” said Sen. Bam.

 Sen. Bam mentioned that several Filipino game developers and studios recently made their mark in the international arena.

In the Tokyo Game Show, Japan’s most important video game convention, seven Pinoy independent game developers brought home awards, including Keybol Games, Squeeky Wheel Studio, Monstronauts, Unibox, Popsicle Games, Moocho Brain Interactive Designs, and Nico Tuason’s “Games by Nico”.

Sen. Bam added that the game Flippy Bottle Extreme by Derrick Alain Mapagu also became a global hit, beating out games like Temple Run 2 and even Pokemon Go in the United States.

Other global companies tap Filipino studios and artists in producing popular games, such as Electronic Arts and FunGuy Studio. Synergy 88 and Microsoft for Gears of War 4 and Sony’s Naughty Dog and Secret 6 on Uncharted 4.

“This is big business. Gaming can actually bring in money, jobs and livelihood into the Philippines,” said Sen. Bam.

 Furthermore, Sen. Bam said the inclusion of esports in the Asian Games in 2022 will give Filipino athletes another venue to highlight their skills and excel and bring honor to the country.

Sen. Bam: More work needed to reduce casualties during earthquakes

Sen. Bam Aquino lauded the efforts of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to hold a nationwide earthquake drill to ensure readiness of Filipinos when a strong earthquake hits the country.

However, the senator stressed there’s more work to be done to ensure resiliency of different structures to avoid loss of lives when a Big One hits Metro Manila and different parts of the country.

“Earthquake drills help the community prepare for quakes but there is more we must do to reduce the loss of life. Dapat rin nating tingnan kung matibay at ligtas ba ang mga istruktura sa bansa,” said Sen. Bam, chairman of the Committee on Science and Technology.

Sen. Bam recently conducted a hearing to look into whether the scientific data gathered by Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) is effectively disseminated to allay fears and combat the prevalence of false information online. The probe was also aimed to prepare communities in the occurrence of destructive tremors.

During the hearing, several issues were raised, including the resiliency of structures against strong tremors and the congestion in the Metro Manila, which can contribute to the number of fatalities if not properly addressed.

PHIVOLCS Director Renato Solidum revealed that if the magnitude 6.7 earthquake that killed nine people in Surigao del Norte last February happened in Metro Manila, around 23,000 people will perish.

Sen. Bam emphasized that the high number of fatalities could be avoided if structures and residential houses comply with the Building Code, enabling them to withstand earthquakes of up to magnitude 8 to 9.

The senator is pushing for a periodic review on the resiliency of structures, especially houses, to “ensure that it can withstand strong tremors and avoid loss of lives”.

Sen. Bam also urged concerned government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to make sure that buildings, houses and other structures can withstand strong earthquakes.

The lawmaker also underscored the need for a periodic review of Republic Act 10121 or the Act Strengthening the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System to make it attuned to present needs.

“We’ve already had 163 earthquakes this year. Buhay ang nakasalalay,” Sen. Bam stressed.

The magnitude 6.5 earthquake that rocked Leyte on Thursday brings the count up to 164 earthquakes for 2017.

“Kailangan nang tiyakin ang kaligtasan ng mga istruktura sa ating bansa upang maiwasan ang malawakang pinsala at kawalan ng buhay,” he added.

 

 

Edited: July 7, 2017

 

 

 

 

Sen. Bam aims to promote welfare of Filipino scientists, researchers

In a move to recognize their contribution to the country’s growth in terms of research and development, Sen. Bam Aquino is pushing for two measures that will promote the welfare of Filipino scientists and researchers.

“Sad to say, the contribution and welfare of Filipino scientists and engineers and researchers are undervalued in the Philippines. That’s why many of them leave the country to look for greener pastures abroad,” said Sen. Bam, chairman of the Committee on Science and Technology.

Sen. Bam is currently working on the passage of Senate Bill 1183 or the Balik Scientist Bill and Senate Bill No. 679 or the Magna Carta for Scientists to strengthen support for Filipino scientists.

 “As Chairman of the Committee on SciTech, we need to lay the foundation of a modern and prosperous society. Proper utilization of SciTech will be crucial in this aspiration and these measures could help in achieving our goal,” added Sen. Bam.

 The Balik Scientist Program provides financial incentives for overseas Filipino scientists and facilitates their return to work on either a short-term, medium-term or long-term basis.

  The measure aims to institutionalize the Balik Scientist Program of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), which successfully encouraged some of our scientists to return and contribute to research and address development gaps in the Philippines.

 The amendments to the Magna Carta for Scientists aim to streamline the process of providing benefits and incentives to S&T government personnel.

During a committee hearing, it was discovered that the Philippines needs 19,000 more scientists working in both government and private sector to turn the country into a significant force in research and development.

Currently, the Philippines has 189 scientists per million, far from the ideal target of 380 per million. The number also pales in comparison with other countries as South Korea and United States have 5,300 and 3,500 scientists per million, respectively. Malaysia, for its part, has 2,000 scientists per million.

 “Sa tulong ng panukalang ito, mahihikayat natin ang mga Filipino scientist sa ibang bansa na bumalik sa Pilipinas at tumulong sa pagpapaunlad ng ating research and development,” said Sen. Bam, referring to the Balik Scientist Bill.

Sen. Bam to youth: Government needs you

More than ever, the government needs young, passionate and idealistic leaders to help change it from within.

Sen. Bam Aquino made this pronouncement in the light of moves to postpone the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections slated in the last Monday of October this year.

 According to the senator, more young Filipinos are joining the national conversation, taking to the streets to air their grievances and using social media to voice out their opinion and stand on matters of national importance.

“The SK is an opportunity to go beyond the streets, beyond social media and really work on programs to change their communities for the better,” said Sen. Bam, a former chairman of the National Youth Commission (NYC).

“Many people underestimate the capability of the youth to lead but in my experience, big changes can come from the youth sector. Marami tayong youth leaders na nakakatulong sa kanilang komunidad at kailangan sila ng ating bayan,” he stressed.

 “Tama na ang walong postponements! Let’s roll out the new and improved SK and start developing better public servants for a better future,” said Sen. Bam, pertaining to Republic Act No. 10742 or the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Reform Act.

 “The new and improved SK will give the youth a chance to contribute to the development of the country and emerge as better public servants in the future,” said Sen. Bam, who pushed for the law’s passage as co-author and co-sponsor during his time as chairman of the Committee on Youth in the 16th Congress.

Earlier, Sen. Bam opposed the government’s plan to postpone SK elections and appoint barangay officials instead.

 “Mahalaga na mismong taumbayan ang magpasya kung sinong lider ang nais nilang iluklok. Sa ganitong paraan, makikitang gumagana pa rin ang demokrasya sa bansa,” said Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam calls for stakeholders’ cooperation to combat fake news

With more Filipinos now getting their news from social media, a senator stressed the urgent need to combat the proliferation of fake news online.

“Huwag na tayo magpabola sa mga nagpapakalat ng fake news,” said Sen. Bam Aquino. “Panahon na para labanan ang pekeng balita sa Pilipinas”.

“Hindi lang nakakasira ng reputasyon ang pekeng balita, nilalayo pa tayo sa tunay at mahalagang isyu ng lipunan,” he added.

While he supports the passage of Senate Bill No. 1429, Sen. Bam said it needs to be discussed further.

“Nagkakaisa kami ni Sen. Joel na naniniwala na lahat, lalo na ang ating sworn public servants, ay dapat managot sa pagkalat ng maling balita,” he added.

“Pero marami pa tayong kailangan klaruhin, like what is considered a reasonable period for a social media platform to be able to put down a fake post? What would be an acceptable basis for branding fake news?” Sen. Bam said.

In addition, Sen. Bam called for stakeholders cooperation, from government officials, social media platforms and schools to combat fake news online.

“Kailangan natin ng kooperasyon ng lahat, lalo na mula sa mga opisyal ng pamahalaan, at mga social media platforms para labanan natin ang pagkalat ng pekeng balita sa Internet,” said Sen. Bam, who during his stint as chairman of the Committee on Education pushed for social media literacy in schools.

“In a hearing on social media literacy last year, we already called on schools to better educate the youth on fake news and cyberbullying,” said Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam said fake news is not just a local concern but a worldwide phenomenon, with different countries starting different initiatives to battle its spread.

Countries like France are strengthening their fact-checking capabilities while Germany has passed legislation to regulate social media.

In Malaysia, online chat administrators are facing legal action for allowing spread of disinformation among members of their groups.

Sen. Bam also said Indonesia is setting up an agency that will tackle fake news.

“We must study all possible courses of action and learn from the best and most effective practices,” he said.

Sen. Bam wants DOJ to explain contradictory resolutions in Espinosa case

A senator wants the Department of Justice (DOJ) to explain its contradictory issuances regarding the killing of Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa and fellow inmate Raul Yap inside his jail cell in Baybay City Provincial Jail last year.

“The DOJ’s recent ruling in favor of the accused police officers was made with blatant disregard for the findings of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Senate,” Sen. Bam Aquino in Senate Resolution No. 413.

 Sen. Bam was referring to the DOJ’s June 2 resolution which indicated that there was no record of “evident premeditation” and “necessary force” was used to implement the search warrant against Espinosa.

 The latest decision reversed the earlier DOJ resolution dated March 2, which recommended the filing of murder charges against 19 members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), headed by Supt. Marvin Marcos.

 In that resolution, the DOJ stated that “the killings are qualified by evident premeditation since the attack was well planned”.

 “The recent turnaround in the DOJ ruling is deeply concerning as there is no clear and compelling reason to reverse its initial resolution,” said Sen. Bam, adding that the new DOJ resolution contradicts the agency’s earlier decision as well as the findings of both the NBI and the Senate committees which investigated the incident.

After its own investigation, the NBI disputed the claim by the CIDG-8 team that the killing happened in the course of a shootout between Espinosa and Yap and the CIDG team. Based on its findings, the NBI concluded that the killing was a rubout, premeditated and with criminal intent.

In its report, the Senate Committees on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs and Justice and Human Rights also maintained that the mayor’s murder was premeditated.

 “This sends the message that the supposed law enforcers frontlining the current administration’s war on drugs are exempted from the rule of law,” the senator said.

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