Issues

Bam: Solve Long Lines Outside Airports, Trains

While they are focused on the long-term programs to improve the country’s transportation infrastructure, a senator asked government agencies not to overlook the current user experience of the public in airports and train stations.

During the hearing, Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Undersecretary Rene Limcaoco revealed that almost P1 trillion worth of infrastructure projects that will improve the country’s rail, airport and mass transit systems are already in the pipeline.

“While we need to ensure on the progress of these development projects to make sure that we reach these timelines, it is also important to look at the current experiences of our passengers and commuters in our airports and trains,” said Sen. Bam Aquino, referring to the long queues in airports and train stations.

“I have no experience of another airport which asks the passengers to have checks before they enter the airport,” added Sen. Bam, chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.

While he’s aware of security concerns, Sen. Bam said concerned government agencies must come up with a better process that can be comfortable to our passengers.

“The same goes for our train riders, who have to endure the heat of the sun or rain while waiting in line. This is a big inconvenience that needs to be immediately solved,” the senator added.

Sen. Bam recently filed Senate Resolution No. 1115 calling for an inquiry to look into the prioritization of transportation infrastructure projects and the efficiency of systems management in seaports, airports, expressways and national roads.

Limcaoco said around P890 billion worth of rail and other mass transit projects will create nine additional lines and three additional terminals, accommodating an additional 2.2 million passengers daily.

The projects will establish 140 additional passenger stations and 120 kilometers of additional road and rail mass transit that will cut down average travel time from 2 ½ hours to just one hour.

Limcaoco said the government will earmark about P77.47 billion for the  expansion and modernization of the country’s main airports, including international airports in Manila, Clark, Cebu, Davao, Bohol, Laguindingan, Puerto Princesa, Iloilo and Bacolod.

When asked by Sen. Bam about the timelines of these projects, Limcaoco said the rail and other mass transit projects will be completed in the next five years while the airport projects will be finished in three years.

“It is important for the public to be aware of these programs so we can ensure and monitor that these plans will be completed at the soonest possible time,” Sen. Bam emphasized.

 

Bam: Improve Philippine Transportation Infrastructures and Coordination

To avoid a repeat of the inconvenience experienced by millions of Filipinos and foreigners who traveled during last year’s Christmas holidays, a senator wants the government to focus on the improvement and integration of major transportation infrastructures.

In his Senate Resolution No. 1115, Senator Bam Aquino calls for an inquiry on the prioritization of transportation infrastructure projects and the efficiency of systems management in seaports, airports, expressways and national roads to streamline its operations to improve the services to the public.

“There is a need for the government to improve its limited network of seaports, airports and expressways so as not to inconvenience the transport of passenger and goods to different parts of the country,” said Sen. Bam, chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.

Sen. Bam’s resolution will be tackled on March 4, 1 p.m. by the Committee on Economic Affairs.

During last year’s holiday season, millions of Filipinos and foreigners experienced heavy traffic and congestion in major ports, airports and toll ways in the country.

Based on news reports, massive traffic was recorded during the holiday rush in the South and North Luzon Expressways. The traffic was attributed to the slow processing of toll payments in the tollgates.

Furthermore, the public had to stop at several tollgates within a short distance and this resulted to the build-up of cars in the expressways.

Flight cancellations and delays were also reported during the recent holiday break in major airports in the country.

In addition, port congestion continues to be a problem with the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) at 86 percent and South Harbor Terminal at 91 percent, far from the ideal utilization level of 70 percent.

Sen. Bam said the government must conduct a periodic planning process that will identify critical road segments and undertake feasibility and economic analysis to determine the investment and improvement in the transportation infrastructure system.

“Different government agencies such as the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) need to intensify their inter-agency work plan and strategy in order to address the recurring heavy traffic in the flow of goods and passengers in the country,” the senator said.

Sen. Bam stressed that ground and air transportation infrastructures are crucial for economic development, domestic and foreign investment, and the growth of the tourism industry, as well as job creation, which are necessary to reduce poverty in the Philippines.

“The quality, adequacy and accessibility of infrastructure facilities and services are needed in order to achieve efficient movement of people and goods, and this ultimately impacts on the country’s competitiveness,” he said.

Bam: Bamboo Industry Imperative to Country’s Growth

The country’s promising bamboo industry may lose its status as one of the world’s top exporters if it fails to meet the growing demand from local and international markets, a senator warned.

Based on the data from the Philippine Bamboo Foundation, Senator Bam Aquino revealed that only 52,000 hectares of land in the country is planted with bamboo, which is not enough to cover the increasing market demand.

“The local market demand for bamboo products is estimated at P11 billion while the current global market demand is $7 billion and it is expected to increase to $15 to $20 billion in 2017,” said Sen. Bam, chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.

“The main challenge is to make supply sufficient for its continuous and growing demand so we can grab a lion’s share of the market,” the senator added.

In 2010, Sen. Bam said the Philippines was the fifth largest bamboo exporter in the world.  From 2012-2014, the senator said P306.3 million worth of investments, P261.8 million sales and 13,103 jobs were generated by the country’s bamboo industry.

To keep the country’s status as one of the world’s top bamboo producers, Aquino has filed Senate Resolution No. 1203 seeking to conduct an inquiry on the status of the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Roadmap.

Sen. Bam said the inquiry is aimed at aligning the country’s bamboo industry with the trade and environmental plans of the government, enabling it to fulfil demands from local and international markets.

“With no reliable inventory of available bamboos nationwide, there is an urgent need for a proper and timely coordination among relevant government agencies, non-government organizations, academe and business sector to determine a concrete industry roadmap,” the senator said.

The senator added that the country’s bamboo industry has a huge economic potential and it can be used to improve the lives of people in the countryside.

“The return on investment on bamboo is also lot faster since it can be frequently harvested, making it an attractive and sustainable community project even for small farmers,” Sen. Bam said.

In 2010, the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council (PBDIC), through Executive Order No. 879, was created to provide overall policy and program directions for all stakeholders.

Under EO 879, the government is tasked to reforest at least 500,000 hectares with bamboo as part of the one million hectares as designated areas as contribution to the ASEAN commitment of 20 million hectares of new forest by 2020.

“While the bamboo is planted to protect our environment, we also need to realize its economic potential as communities will have livelihood and job opportunities because of the growing demand,” Sen. Bam stressed.

The EO also directed the use of bamboo for at least 25 percent of the desk and other bamboo furniture requirements of public elementary and secondary schools, aside from prioritizing the use of bamboo in furniture fixtures and other construction requirements of government facilities.

Bam Hails Selfless Youth Groups for Embodying People Power Spirit

Senator Bam Aquino hailed the 20 Ten Outstanding Youth Organization (TAYO) finalists for embodying the spirit of People Power and renewing the fire of nation building.

“Today, I see that People Power is alive in our youth,” Sen. Bam, chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth, said in his speech during the 12th TAYO Awards ceremonies in Malacanang.

In his speech, Sen. Bam praised finalists for coming up with different programs and projects that help uplift conditions in the communities they live in.

“Anytime people come together to further causes that benefit the less fortunate; any time you join a group that creates change for a better Philippines, that’s People Power,” Sen. Bam said.

The senator also expressed hope that other youth organizations can draw inspiration from the 20 finalists so they can also embody the spirit of People Power and join efforts to create a more prosperous Philippines for everyone.

“It is my hope that you, who have made such a tangible and lasting impact on society, can inspire even more people to join the fight for a better Philippines,” Sen. Bam said.

“The country still needs the spirit of People Power that exists within everyone, to keep the country moving towards social justice, true freedom, and peace,” he added.

Twenty (20) youth organizations – 5 from NCR, 5 from Luzon, 5 from Visayas and 5 from Mindanao – bested 397 other entries for slots in the TAYO National Finals Week.

Sen. Bam gave special mention to Kanlungan Pilipinas Movement, whose E-Learning Centers, dubbed “Balay Kanlungan ng Karunungan”, provide far-flung communities with a free information and learning hub where they can visit and access educational materials.

 Sen. Bam also cited UP College of Medicine Phi Lambda Delta Sorority’s flagship project — Milk Matters, a regular milk letting activity that aims to ensure a safe and sustainable supply of breastmilk for the high-risk neonates of the UP-Philippine General Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (PGH-NICU).

The project also seeks to empower mothers to choose breastmilk as their sole choice for their babies’ health and establish community-based milk banks to encourage breastfeeding practices via sustainable partnerships with local government units and non-government organizations.

The senator also commended the Katipunan ng mga Kabataang Santiagueno for its project that produces bio-organic fertilizer and other possible solutions to address the garbage problem of Santiago City in Isabela.

Among its project is the production of charcoal briquettes from leaves, twigs, stems and other cellulosic forest wastes. 

 The three groups were among those selected in the 12th edition of the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) Awards. Other winners were RAPID, Inc., Red Cross Youth and Junior Rescue Team, Access PYLP Alumni Association, Inc., Move This World Pilipinas Inc., Youth for Environment jn School Organization, Indigenous Youth Servant Leaders Association of the Philippines and University of San Agustin Little Theater.

The search for Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) is the sole award-giving body that grants nationwide recognition to youth organizations for their outstanding contributions to nation-building and development.

 The TAYO awards also honor exceptional achievements of youth groups and encourage the replication of such noteworthy and innovative efforts to solve basic problems in communities.

TAYO 12 is organized by the TAYO Awards Foundation, National Youth Commission, and the Office of Senator Benigno “Bam” Aquino. It is presented by Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc. and sponsored by San Miguel Corporation, Aboitiz Equity Ventures, SMART, SM Cares, Lenovo Philippines, Greenwich Foundation and Jollibee Group Foundation.

The 2015 Search will commence on March 30, 2015. Applications can be downloaded online via the official website www.tayoawards.net.

Sen. Bam Eyes Medal of Valor for Mamasapano Survivors As Well

Aside from the Fallen 44, a senator recommends  to bestow the Medal of Valor to the Special Action Force (SAF) officers and other personnel who survived the Mamasapano encounter as well.

 

In his Senate Resolution No. 1180, Senator Bam Aquino said 31 SAF officers were wounded in the January 25 encounter against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

 

In addition, one member of the 55th SAF Company and 30 members of the Seaborne United of the 84th SAF company sustained injuries as they held off elements of the MILF and the BIFF.

 

“The death of the PNP-SAF officers and all those wounded in the police operations should serve as a continuing reminder that the ultimate purpose of the government is to protect their citizens,” Sen. Bam said.

 

However, the SAF suffered heavy casualty, losing 44 men in a daring operation that led to the killing of international terrorist Zulkifli Bin Hir alias Marwan.

 

Sen. Bam said the sacrifice of these uniformed men as they carried out their duties to protect the citizenry and maintain peace and order in the country deserves no less than the Medal of Valor and the benefits and entitlement that goes with it, under Republic Act No. 9049.

 

“The outstanding act of bravery of these soldiers in the most dangerous combat circumstances only shows the quality of the country’s uniformed men in the service of the Filipino people,” Sen. Bam said.

 

Earlier, Sen. Bam filed a resolution seeking to posthumously award the Medal of Valor to the 44 SAF officers for their exemplary courage and heroism.

 

“Their mission was accomplished and that the country became a safer place because of them,” Sen. Bam emphasized.

 

The Medal of Valor entitles the widower and/or dependents of the awardee to a lifetime monthly gratuity and precedence in employment in National Government Agencies (NGAs) or Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) among other benefits.

 

“Through this recognition, it is our hope that the nation will never forget what they’ve sacrificed for and be an inspiration for our fellow Filipinos to continue serving our country,” Sen. Bam stressed.

Bam: Gov’t Must Fund Private Child-Care Agencies

Government must extend financial support to non-government organizations involved in child care to help them provide the best care for abandoned and neglected children, Sen. Bam Aquino emphasized.

 

“This is a priority. We need to provide the best care for those who are most vulnerable and marginalized,” Sen. Bam stressed during the hearing of the Senate Committee on Social Justice on several bills tackling child-care system in the country.

 

“Private institutions helping in the service delivery work of government must be supported,” added Sen. Bam, chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth.

 

In other countries, like the United Kingdom and Australia, Sen. Bam said the government gives funding to private organizations doing the work of government, such as child and foster care, and assistance to PWDs and the elderly.

 

Sen. Bam made the pronouncement after several child-care agencies lamented the dwindling monetary donations they’ve been receiving from local and international donors, affecting their capacity to extend help to more children.

 

“Donations coming from abroad are decreasing due to financial problems and economic issues,” said Atty. Gwen Gana, president of the Association of Child Caring Agencies of the Philippines (ACCAP).

 

At present, accredited child-care agencies are exempted from paying donor’s tax.

 

Sen. Bam urged ACCAP to submit the needed operational expenses so it can be included in next year’s budget.

 

“We have to incorporate it into the 2016 budget so we can provide regular stipend for institutions accredited by the Department of Social Welfare and Development,” Sen. Bam said.

 

“This is the right time to ask for funding for important projects because we are just starting to craft the budget for next year,” he added.

 

Sen. Bam also allayed fears of some sectors that the process will be exploited by some unscrupulous non-government organizations, like what happened in the pork barrel scam.

 

“With the DSWD’s stringent accreditation process, I am confident that only qualified NGOs will receive financial support,” Sen. Bam said.

Sen. Bam’s statement on the selling of DVDs of carnage of Fallen 44

Some people capitalizing and financially gaining on the misery inflicted on the Fallen 44 is unacceptable.

This move only relives the gruesome massacre that saddened millions of Filipinos and adds to the already burdened families of the victims.

I call on authorities to pursue and punish those behind the distribution and sale of these DVD and VCD.

Bam Aquino’s Statement on the Video Showing the Death of SAF 44

We strongly condemn the gruesome killing and barbaric atrocities done to our Special Action Force members in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

In the strongest possible terms, we call on the MILF to surrender the combatants and submit them to the appropriate processes of our justice system.

Their leadership should also attend the ongoing Senate hearings and answer the difficult questions that plague our nation.

The road to peace must not set aside justice and accountability.

Bam Wants Safer, Secure Environment for 44M Online Pinoys

A senator wants to declare February 10 of each year as National Safer Internet Day in an effort to create a safe, secure and favorable online environment for more than 44 million Filipino users daily.

“While the Internet exposes the public to a wealth of information and varying perceptions, lack of safeguards and controls on the web has allowed for unregulated trade markets and cyber abuses,” Sen. Bam Aquino said in his Senate Bill No. 2637.

“Everyone needs to be involved in making our connectedness online safe and secure,” added Sen. Bam.

Through the celebration of National Safer Internet Day, Sen. Bam said the public would be reminded of “our responsibilities as patrons of the Internet.”

“We need to change our passwords from time to time, be more cautious with our online deals and transactions and put parental controls for children,” cited Sen. Bam.

According to the Terre des Hommes Netherlands Philippine Country Office, the Philippines now has 44 million internet users, majority of whom view social network sites 15 billion times every month.

The group also said the Philippines has 30 million Facebook users while more than 28 Million people are mobile Internet users. 

“It is also a venue to discuss the constantly changing landscape of the World Wide Web and discover how best to maximize the ever-expanding online realm,” Sen. Bam said.

Through the Internet, Sen. Bam said news is readily available to the public, disaster preparedness has improved and the business landscape has changed for the better.

“What’s more, the Internet is constantly growing and changing. We are only beginning to understand its implications and tap into its capabilities,” he added.

Sen. Bam has also probed on the slow and expensive Internet connection in the country.

According to ASEAN DNA, the Philippines (3.6 megabytes per second) lags behind Laos (4.0 Mbps), Indonesia (4.1 Mbps), Myanmar and Brunei (4.9 Mbps), Malaysia (5.5 Mbps) and Cambodia (5.7 Mbps).

Sen. Bam sees that E-Commerce will also empower online entrepreneurs who promote and sell their products on the Internet.

“E-Commerce could provide more opportunities for livelihood and earning, locally and globally. With Filipinos being online savvy, the world is our market and our opportunities are limitless,” he added.

Bam: Medal of Valor for Fallen 44

A senator has filed a resolution seeking to posthumously award the Medal of Valor to the 44 Special Action Force officers who sacrificed their lives in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, saying they should be commended for their exemplary courage and heroism.

“The 44 officers of the PNP-SAF fought valiantly and sacrificed their lives in the performance of their duty,” Senator Bam Aquino said in his Senate Resolution No. 1156.

Sen. Bam said the bravery of the 44 SAF members led to the killing of international terrorist Zulkipli Bin Hir, alias Abu Marwan, during an operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

“Their lives were in the service to the Filipino people and our nation’s quest for peace,” added Sen. Bam.

However, the SAF team came under intense rebel fire from members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), resulting in the death of 44 of its members.

According to the senator, Republic Act No. 9049 honors military heroes and affiliates for their supreme self-sacrifice and distinctive acts of heroism and gallantry by awarding the Medal of Valor.

“Their mission was accomplished and that the country became a safer place because of them,” Sen. Bam emphasized.

The Medal of Valor entitles the widower and/or dependents of the awardee to a lifetime monthly gratuity and precedence in employment in National Government Agencies (NGAs) or Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) among other benefits

“Through this recognition, it is our hope that the nation will never forget what they’ve died for and be an inspiration for our fellow Filipinos to continue serving our country,” Sen. Bam stressed.

Scroll to top