Issues

Empower Barangay Captains; Let them Administer Oath of the President in 2016 – Sen. Bam

Even your barangay captain can administer the oath of the president in 2016.

Aquino’s Senate Bill 2334 seeks to amend Chapter 1, Section 41 of Executive Order 292 to include barangay captains among officers who have general authority to administer oath.

“By empowering the Punong Barangay to administer oaths is an affirmation and recognition of its critical role in our society,” said Aquino.

“Aside from carrying out government programs and projects in the Barangay level, the Punong Barangay also serves as the leader and a source of legitimacy by its constituents,” the senator added.

If passed, barangay captains will join other officials who have the authority to administer oath, among them the President, Vice President, Members and Secretaries of Both Houses of Congress and Members of the Judiciary.

Under EO 292, other officials who have the power to administer oath are Members of the judiciary, department secretaries, governors, vice governors, city mayors, municipal mayors, bureau directors, regional directors, clerks of court; registrars of deeds and other civilian officers in the government whose appointments are vested in the President and are subject to confirmation by the Commission on Appointments.

Other constitutional officers, public attorney’s office (PAO) and notaries public are also empowered to administer oath.

Pahayag ni Senador Bam Aquino sa Aksidente sa MRT

Nakakalungkot na nagkaroon ng aksidente ang isang MRT train ngayon, lalo na at may mga nasaktan sa pangyayari. Kailangang bigyan ng sapat na tulong at pag-aasikaso ang mga nasaktan. Siguraduhin nating maayos ang nangyaring aksidente upang wala nang masaktan pa at maibalik sa dating operations ang MRT ngayong gabi.

Magpapatawag ako ng imbestigasyon sa Senado upang umupo ang iba’t ibang ahensiya at mga grupong mula sa pribadong sektor at pag-usapan ang mga isyu sa MRT system. Ito na rin ang tamang larangan para sama-samang makalikha ng mga solusyon sa panandalian at pangmatagalang panahon.

Mahalaga ang MRT system para sa ating mga pasahero sa Metro Manila dahil ginagamit nila ito para makarating sa kanilang mga opisina, mga paaralan at mga tahanan. Hindi katanggap-tanggap na ang isa sa pinakamahalagang pampublikong sistemang transportasyon ay delikado para sa ating mga pasahero.

Huwag na nating hintayin ang mas malalang aksidente bago asikasuhin ang mga matagal nang dapat pansinin – mas mahigpit na sistema ng inspeksyon, rehabilitasyon at pagpalit ng mga bahagi ng mga tren at railway, at iba pa.

Spare the Poor, Pass the MIE Bill – Sen. Bam

Spare the poor.

Senator Bam Aquino made this pronouncement as he called for the swift passage of the Marginal Income Earners (MIE) bill, saying ‘it could be another landmark bill of this administration which is pro-poor and pro-business.’

 During the Senate Ways and Means committee hearing on the MIE bill, Aquino stressed the measure doesn’t affect the government’s revenue-collection efforts and, at the same time, eases the burden of millions of Filipinos.

“I’m hoping that we can move this forward,” said Aquino, adding that the Senate has already reached out to its House counterpart to look into the MIE Bill.

Aquino filed Senate Bill 2227 which seeks to exempt MIEs such as farmers, fishermen, tricycle drivers, small sari-sari storeowners and other micro-entrepreneurs, from paying income tax

 Under Senate Bill 2227, Aquino said MIEs, or self-employed individuals who earn not more than the minimum wage equivalent in their regions, should be spared from paying income tax, just like minimum wage earners.

“The MIE bill basically exempts marginal income earners at the same level as the minimum wage earners,” said Aquino.

Aquino filed the bill after the Bureau of Internal Revenue released a memorandum circular — Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 7-2014 — compelling micro entrepreneurs to pay income tax returns.

According to BIR’s circular, MIEs include agricultural growers/producers such as farmers and fishermen selling directly to consumers, small sari-sari stores, small carinderias or “turo-turos,” and drivers/operators of a single unit tricycle.

 “Charging taxes does not help them in any way. Rather, it becomes a burden to a sector that is situated below the poverty line,” Aquino said.

 “Imposing income tax on our micro businessmen is tantamount to confiscating what little income they are able to make on a daily basis,” he added.

“This measure is just and fair and follows the constitutional provision of equal protection to all Filipinos.”

 

Sen. Bam Hits Harassment, Corruption vs. Foreign Investors

Senator Bam Aquino condemned the rampant harassment, red tape and other forms of corruption in government agencies, saying these illegal activities force foreign businessmen to pack their bags and bring their investments to other countries.

“Good governance is key in promoting ease of doing business. All forms of harassment and corruption at any level of government weakens our national competitiveness and hampers our drive for sustained economic growth,” said Aquino, chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.

“These instances discourage prime potential investments, take away job and other livelihood opportunities for Filipinos and may hamper the nation’s achievement of its investment and growth targets,” added Aquino.

Aquino’s reaction stemmed from complaints of foreign nationals who experienced harassment, extortion and other forms of corruption in several government agencies while doing business in the country.

In addition, the senator said numerous permits, clearances and requirements, red tape, inconsistent regulations, and non-uniformity of fees being imposed are becoming too burdensome for investors.

“There is a need to simplify the procedure of registration for foreign investors in order to promote investments in the Philippines,” the senator stressed.

 Aquino recently filed Resolution No. 762 seeking to conduct an investigation on the procedure of registration of foreign investments and fees imposed by government agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry, Board of Investments and Bureau of Immigration.

“This move aims to rationalize the administration of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives for foreign investors,” the senator said.

 The BOI, as a policy-making body, is charged with the duties, among others, of preparing an annual investment priorities plan that gives incentives to specific activities.

It also recommends to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) the entry of foreign nationals for employment purposes and inspects registered enterprises for compliance purposes.

 In addition, Aquino has initiated the creation of WASAK or the “Walang Asenso sa Kotong” hotline (16565 and 0908-8816565) where small businessmen can air their complaints and other issues against government agencies.

 

Sen. Bam Warns Public Against Investment Scams

Don’t quickly fall for “easy money,” “quick money” or “double your money” schemes.

 Senator Bam Aquino made this advice to the public so as to avoid falling into investment, pyramid and other types of scams, which now made their way into popular social networking sites such as Facebook.

“We should be prudent especially when it comes to money. Think twice before you put your hard-earned money into something, especially when it promises high return of investment,” said Aquino, chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.

Aquino’s pronouncement came after the arrest of several individuals who were behind an investment scam advertised on social networking site Facebook.

In addition, an investment scam that duped 100 individuals, of around P100 million was discovered recently.

“Before investing, we must tread on the side of caution by checking with the Securities and Exchange Commission if an investment company is registered,” Aquino said.

“Just to make sure, we also must ask for documents that will prove the legitimacy of a company’s operation,” the senator added.

 The senator also called on authorities to intensify their campaign against syndicates involved in other scams to prevent more people from being victimized.

Probe Port Congestion Immediately! – Sen. Bam

Worried about its negative effect on prices of commodities and in the operations of local businesses, importers and exporters, Senator Bam Aquino has filed a resolution seeking a probe on the worsening cargo congestion at the Port of Manila.

 Aquino said the problem must be addressed quickly because the longer it sticks, prices of goods carried by importers and exporters will continue to rise.

“We will prolong the agony of the public if we will not help government agencies find ways to address the gridlock in the ports that led to untimely delays in shipment of goods, said Aquino.

In his Senate Resolution No. 809, Aquino stressed that delays in the cargo deliveries affected prices of agricultural products.

In addition, Aquino said even manufacturers of fresh produce couldn’t fully ship out the goods due to possible spoilage because of long queues in the ports.

“Because of this, the country’s exports have become highly uncompetitive,” added the senator, who chairs the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.

The Bureau of Export Trade Promotion believes that its prediction of 5.8 percent to 7.2 percent in export growth rate is not feasible because of the problem.

“The decrease in trade volume affected the law on supply and demand, which resulted in abrupt price increases,” the senator said, adding that inefficient operations of the port had an adverse effect on free enterprise and competitiveness of Philippine goods.

Aquino earlier suggested to port authorities to look into the Ports of Batangas and Subic Bay as alternative cargo drop-off points.

The senator said Vietnam also had the same congestion problem but it was solved after it diverted cargo to new alternate ports of Ben Nghe and Phu Huu, aside from upgrading the Cat Lai port.

“With the upcoming ASEAN integration in 2015, there is a need to have immediate and long-term solutions to the problems on port congestion since the flow of goods had been restricted by the issuance of policy orders of different government agencies,” the senator said.

Ensure Safety of Students During Rainy Season – Sen. Bam to LGUs

With the onset of the rainy season, Senator Bam Aquino calls on local government units (LGUs) to declare cancellation of classes early to ensure safety of students.

“Safety of students must not be compromised so the announcement of cancellation of classes should be made early when there is a typhoon or heavy rains,” said Aquino, chairman of the Committee on Youth.

 “There are cases where students are already in schools when the announcement was made, leaving them stranded for hours. When the rain stops, they have to wade through floods on their way home,” the senator added.

Aquino reminded LGUs that they now have the duty to suspend classes or work during storms and heavy rains, ender Sec. 2 of Executive Order 66 issued in 2012.

“Under the said EO, announcements will be made not later than 4:30 a.m. of the day of the intended cancellation of classes and work or not later than 11:00 a.m. for suspension of work and classes in the afternoon,” the senator emphasized.

The announcement may be coursed through diverse mass media, particularly radio and television, landline communications and other technologies for communication within the community or locality.

 Also, Aquino called on LGUs to cover open manholes and remove other road hazards such as protruding steel bars or other sharp objects so accidents will be avoided during floods and heavy rains.

“We must leave no stone unturned in ensuring the safety of our roads to avoid future accidents, especially to our students,” he stressed.

2015 Budget to Undergo Tight Scrutiny – Sen. Bam

In the wake of controversies brought by the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) and the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP), expect the 2015 national budget to undergo tight scrutiny in the Senate down to its last centavo.

“We must be vigilant and careful in scrutinizing next year’s budget to ensure every centavo of public’s money will go to its intended use and not in somebody’s pocket,” said Senator Bam Aquino, chairman of the Senate Committee of Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.

 “Controversies have taught us to put our budget under the microscope to avoid a repeat of issues such as PDAF and DAP. We also must be on guard against illegal insertions by crooked individuals who may try to pull a fast one,” the senator added.

Last year, Aquino actively participated in budget hearings and even presided over deliberations for agencies such as the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Earlier, Malacañang said it would submit a proposed P2.606 trillion budget for 2015 to Congress. The amount was 15 percent higher than the 2014 national budget.

(PRIB Photo by Joseph Vidal)

Support P-Noy’s Push for Reforms – Sen. Bam

 

“We are in the fourth quarter. Let’s keep our eyes on the ball and not be distracted by criticisms.”

 A senator aired this call as he rallies the nation to support President Aquino’s plans, programs and reforms in his remaining 700 days in office.

 “We are in the last quarter of the game so to speak, the President needs all the support he can get. Let’s help him accomplish his mission before his term ends,” said Senator Bam Aquino.

 The senator believes that President Aquino’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) should be regarded as a call for healing and unity as his administration approaches the homestretch.

“We all know that the President is candid and he will speak his mind about issues that affect his bosses. This time, he wants everybody to set aside bickering and unite for the country’s good,” said Aquino.

 The senator also hailed the achievements laid down by the President during the SONA, especially in terms of economic growth, employment generation and poverty incidence reduction.

During the SONA, the Chief Executive mentioned the record drop in the country’s poverty incidence from 27.9 percent in the first semester of 2012 to 24.9 percent in same period of 2013, which translates to 2.5 million Filipinos currently above the poverty line.

He also cited the investment grades received by the country from three international credit rating agencies due to its continuing economic growth.

President Aquino added the government made great strides in its campaign against unemployment with the creation of 1.65 million jobs from April 2013 to April 2014.

“These figures prove that the government’s push for inclusive growth works and we need to sustain it in the coming years through the enactment of laws that will further benefit the people,” said Aquino.

As part of his contribution to the inclusive growth drive, Aquino said he would push for the passage of his measures pushing for growth of the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), such as the Poverty Reduction through Social Entrepreneurship (PRESENT) Bill, Youth Entrepreneurship Bill, Microfinance NGOs Bill, Credit Surety Fund Bill and among others.

“I expect the Senate to buckle down to work on the inclusive growth agenda for progress to be experienced by every Filipino family,” Aquino said.

 

Photo source:  PNoy Official Facebook page

 

SK to Return to Clutches of Partisan Politics if Reforms Not Passed – Sen. Bam

 

Senator Bam Aquino warned that the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) would return to the clutches of partisan politics if proposed reforms are not immediately passed.

“If not passed on time, all the reforms that we are working on will go down the drain. Congress should buckle down and work for the passage of the pending SK reform bills,” said Aquino, chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth.

Last year, Congress approved the postponement of the SK elections for one year without holdover with the goal of passing an SK reform bill before October 28, 2014. Lawmakers also agreed to hold the next polls between Oct. 28, 2014 and February 23, 2015.

Aquino, author of Senate Bill No. 1090 or the “Liga ng Bayaning Kabataan (LBK)” Bill, said the postponement was approved to give Congress enough time to finalize much-needed reforms in the country’s youth representation system

“The reforms we are pushing are crucial as they will harness volunteerism among the youth and pull them away from clutches of partisan politics,” the senator said.

Among the reforms being pushed by Aquino in his measure include the increasing the age of SK officials from the 15-17 years old to 18-24 years old.

Also, Aquino also wants elected youth leaders to undergo mandatory leadership and entrepreneurship trainings to equip them with the proper knowledge needed for their positions.

“The youth sector should actively lobby for these reforms so they can be put in place before the SK elections next year,” said Aquino.

Earlier, Aquino stressed that poor participation of leaders in consultations in different parts of the country has delayed the approval of the bill.

Aquino’s LBK bill is aimed at overhauling youth representation system and instills the true spirit of volunteerism on the youth.

The bill replaces the current form of the SK with a body composed of representatives of youth organizations.

The measure also calls for “bottom-up budgeting” and “end-to-end transparency, accountability, good governance, and community youth participation” for all LBK projects.

“The bill is anchored on the twin beliefs that youth organizations are a potent force in nation-building, and that the power of young Filipinos is strongest when they work with people who share their values and goals, and in an environment of teamwork and collaboration,” the senator said.

 

 

Scroll to top