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Sen. Bam thankful for Catholic lay group’s support

Re-electionist Sen. Bam Aquino expressed gratitude to the Sangguniang Layko ng Pilipinas for supporting him and nine other senatorial candidates endorsed by the People’s Choice Movement (PCM).

The Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas, the lay arm of the CBCP, declared its support for the 10 candidates as they will help keep the independence of the Senate, according to its president Julieta Wasan.

“Taos-puso akong nagpapasalamat sa mga kapatid na Katoliko ng Sangguniang Layko ng Pilipinas sa tiwala at suporta,” said Sen. Bam, one of the candidates endorsed by PCM.

“Salamat sa inyong paninindigan sa panahon na kailangan ng giting para sa ating pananampalataya at sambayanan,” he added.

Sen. Bam called on the Catholic faithful to choose candidates who will work for the welfare of the nation.

“Nanawagan ako sa lahat ng mga kapatid sa Katoliko, sama-sama nating ipanalo sa halalan ang tunay na makakabuti sa ating bayan,” said Sen. Bam.

The PCM based its selection on character and honor, competence and abilities, faithfulness to public service, faithfulness to God, the Constitution and the law.

Sen. Bam topped the PCM’s selection process, garnering 120 votes from 130 representatives from various Catholic, evangelical and Protestant groups.

Aside from the the Sangguniang Layko ng Pilipinas, Bishop Broderick Pabillo, chairman of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Commission on the Laity, urged the Catholic faithful to support and campaign for the PCM-backed candidates.

Various religious groups back Sen. Bam’s candidacy

Various religious groups have endorsed the candidacy of re-electionist Sen. Bam Aquino days before the May 13 polls.

The People’s Choice Movement (PCM) selected Sen. Bam as one of the 10 senatorial candidates it will support and campaign for in the May elections.

Composed of various Catholic, evangelical and Protestant groups, the PCM based its selection on character and honor, competence and abilities, faithfulness to public service, faithfulness to God, the Constitution and the law.

“Napakalaking bagay ng pagkilala at tiwala ng mga taong simbahan kaya taos-puso po akong nagpapasalamat,” said Sen. Bam, who topped the selection process with 120 votes from around 130 representatives of different religious groups.

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

The Church People for an Independent Senate (CPIS), composed of 150 bishops, priests, and laypersons of the Aglipayan Church or known as Iglesia Filipina Independiente, also declared support for Sen. Bam.

The CPIS endorsed Sen. Bam as one of its 10 senatorial candidates, whom they believe will help protect the Senate’s independence.

”Malaking bagay po sa akin ang suporta ninyo para maisulong natin ang isang Senado na tunay na kakampi ng taumbayan lalo na ng mahihirap,” Sen. Bam said.

In addition, Sen. Bam was the only opposition endorsed by the endorsed by Catholic charismatic group El Shaddai.

Sen. Bam celebrates 42nd birthday on campaign trail, wishes for peaceful, honest elections

Re-electionist Sen. Bam Aquino celebrated his 42nd birthday on Tuesday on the campaign trail, visiting the cities of Bacolod and Cebu with several days remaining before the May 13 elections.

Sen. Bam started his day with a thanksgiving Mass with volunteers and supporters at St. Joseph Parish Church in Bacolod.

The re-electionist lawmaker then joined his supporters and volunteers in a boodle fight before meeting with barangay captains of Bacolod City. 

Sen. Bam is scheduled to celebrate his birthday with children in conflict with the law at Operation Second Chance in Cebu City later in the day.

When asked about his birthday wish, Sen. Bam said he’s hoping for a peaceful and honest elections on May 13.

“Sana ang manalo ang mga lingkod bayan na talagang nagmamahal at nagmamalasakit sa ating mga kababayan,” said Sen. Bam, hoping that more members of the Otso Diretso make it to the Top 12 come election day.

On Monday, volunteers and supporters held a small birthday celebration for Sen. Bam in Laguna after he was endorsed by Senate President Tito Sotto.

Sen. Bam was surprised by his cousin, Kris Aquino, who renewed her support for his re-election bid. Other celebrities who greeted Sen. Bam were actress Kim Chiu, showbiz columnist Lolit Solis, host Tim Yap, Kim Atienza, radio DJ TonyToni, the Kramers and TV host Bianca Gonzalez.

Pangasinan, Isabela farmers declare all-out support for Sen. Bam

Farmers from Isabela and Pangasinan have declared their full support behind the candidacy of re-electionist Sen. Bam Aquino, who pushed for the immediate release of financial assistance to farmers affected by rice tariffication law.

In Cauayan City, hundreds of farmers have endorsed the re-election bid of Sen. Bam during a program, where he was joined by Isabela Gov. Bojie Dy and other local officials.

More than 2,000 farmers belonging to the Pangasinan-based Abono Party List, led by its chairman Rosendo So, gathered in Urdaneta City to show their support for Sen. Bam.

“Huwag nating kalimutan, kailangan natin siya sa Senado,” said So as he thanked Sen. Bam for helping push for the passage of Republic Act 10845 or the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act.

As he thanked farmers for their support, Sen. Bam promised to work for the immediate release of the financial assistance given to agricultural workers under the rice tariffication law and to focus on their other concerns.

“Itong pinagdadaanang matinding hirap ng mga kababayan nating magbubukid dahil sa pagbagsak ng presyo ng palay ay hindi lang problema ng sektor agrikultura, ito ay isang pambansang usapin,” said Sen. Bam.

“Kaya dapat ibigay na ngayon ang ayuda sa mga magsasaka dahil ngayon ito pinaka-kailangan,” added Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam called on the government to immediately distribute the direct financial assistance to farmers under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) to help them cope with the effects of the influx of imported rice in the market on their livelihood.

“Hindi na dapat paghintayin pa ang mga magsasaka. Kailangan na nila ang tulong ngayon,” Sen. Bam pointed out.

Earlier, Sen. Bam maintained that the government should focus on ensuring the livelihood of Filipino farmers and their families amid the entry of imported rice in the market.

“Dapat matiyak na walang magutom, mabigyan ng subsidiya, at masigurado ang kapakanan ng kanilang pamilya,” Sen. Bam said.

Aside from direct financial assistance, RCEF will also be used to support mechanization, credit assistance, seed development and for extension services for farmers to help them become more productive and competitive against imported rice.

“Mahalagang tulungan natin sila na maging produktibo para hindi maapektuhan ang kanilang kabuhayan,” Sen. Bam said.

Aglipayan Church leaders back Sen. Bam for an independent Senate

Re-electionist Sen. Bam Aquino expressed gratitude to a group composed of leaders of the Aglipayan Church, for its endorsement, vowing to help uphold an independent Senate if he wins a second term.

“Taos-pusong pasasalamat po sa tiwala ng mga kapatid sa Iglesia Filipina Independiente,” said Sen. Bam, referring to the endorsement of the Church People for an Independent Senate (CPIS).

Earlier, the group, composed of 150 bishops, priests, and laypersons of the Aglipayan Church or known as Iglesia Filipina Independiente, has endorsed 10 senatorial candidates who will help protect the Senate’s independence.


”Malaking bagay po sa akin ang suporta ninyo para maisulong natin ang isang Senado na tunay na kakampi ng taumbayan lalo na ng mahihirap,” said Sen. Bam.

”Kaisa nyo po ako sa adhikain para sa demokrasya at katarungan,” he added.

Earlier, Sen. Bam was selected by the People’s Choice Movement (PCM) as one of the 10 senatorial candidates it will support and campaign for in the May elections.

Composed of various Catholic, evangelical and Protestant groups, the PCM based its selection on character and honor, competence and abilities, faithfulness to public service, faithfulness to God, the Constitution and the law.

Sen. Bam lone opposition in Magic 12 of Pulse Asia survey, makes it to winners’ circle in 3 other major polls

Re-electionist Sen. Bam Aquino was the lone opposition in the Magic 12 of the latest Pulse Asia survey and made it to the winners’ circle in three other major pre-election polls less than two weeks before the May 13 elections.

In the latest Pulse Asia survey conducted from April 10 to 14, Sen. Bam landed in a share of 10th-14th spots, with 28.8 percent. This was an improvement for Sen. Bam as he finished in a tie for 11th to 16th places in last month’s Pulse Asia survey.

In Publicus Asia’s #PAHAYAGNationwide poll conducted from April 21-22, 2019 with 2,000 registered voters as respondents, Sen. Bam landed in a tie for 5th to 11th spots. Sen. Bam made it to the Magic 12 of other pre-election surveys conducted by Laylo (9th to 11th spots) and TNS (7th to 13th places).

In a statement, Sen. Bam thanked the people, especially the volunteers, for their trust and confidence that serve as his inspiration during the campaign.

“Nagpapasalamat po ako dahil dumarami ang naniniwala, nakikiisa at tumutugon. Salamat po mga mga matatapang at matitiyagang tumutulong sa atin na laging buo ang loob at walang pagod,” said Sen. Bam.

“Itong buong kampanya, idinulog ko po sa ating mga kababayan ang mga tinrabaho natin sa Senado tulad ng pagsasabatas ng Libreng Kolehiyo at ibinahagi ang mga dapat pang gawin para makatulong sa mga nangangailangan,” he added.

If he wins a second term, Sen. Bam has promised to work for the passage of his Trabaho Center Bill, which seeks to establish Trabaho Centers or job placement offices in public high schools and state universities and colleges (SUCs) to help solve the prevalent problem of jobs mismatch and high unemployment rate in the country.

Major party list groups endorse Sen. Bam’s candidacy

Various major party list organizations have endorsed the candidacy of Sen. Bam Aquino, giving his re-election bid a huge lift with the May elections approaching.

Bayan Muna, Akbayan, Ako Bicol, Alliance of Concerned Teachers, Anakpawis, Gabriela, Kabataan, Katribu, Migrante, Akap-Bata, Confederation for Unity Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (COURAGE) and Piston all expressed their support for Sen. Bam for his solid track record in helping the basic sectors of society

Other party list groups, such as Kalikasan Aking Bikolnon, APPEND, TUCP, ABONO, Magdalo and Barangay Health Workers (BHW) Party List has committed to back Sen. Bam’s re-election bid.

 “Nagpapasalamat tayo sa pagbuhos ng suporta mula sa iba’t ibang grupo bilang pagkilala sa ating mga nagawa sa ating unang termino sa Senado,” said Sen. Bam.

“Napakahalaga ng kanilang tulong upang mabigyan tayo ng pagkakataong makabalik para sa ikalawang termino kung saan tututukan natin ang paglikha ng trabaho,” he added.

If he wins a second term, Sen. Bam has committed to work for the passage of his Trabaho Center Bill, which will help solve the 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, adding that it is the next best necessary reform after the Free College Law, which he passed as principal sponsor during his time as chairman of the Committee on Education.

Sen. Bam welcomes top Catholic official’s backing for PCM bets

Re-electionist Sen. Bam Aquino welcomed the call of Manila Auxilliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo to the lay faithful to campaign for the senatorial candidates selected by the People’s Choice Movement (PCM).


“Ang simbahan ang konsensiya ng bayan, sana ay dinggin ng ating mga kababayan ang kanilang gabay,” said Sen. Bam, who topped the PCM’s list of 10 senatorial candidates that it will support and campaign for.


In a Facebook post, Bishop Pabillo lauded the PCM, composed of Catholic, Evangelical and Protestant groups, initiative to organize itself and discerned together the best senatorial candidates in the May elections.


Around 130 representatives from the different religious organizations 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 PCM came out with its selection, Bishop Pabillo stressed that the task for all the lay faithful to campaign the deserving candidates so as to counter the money and the political machineries that the TRAPO politicians are using. 


“There are still two months for all to do this particular exercise of the Christian faith,” said Bishop Pabillo.


Aside from Sen. Bam, human rights lawyer Chel Diokno, former solicitor general Pilo Hilbay, former congressmen. Erin Tanada and Neri Colmenares, civic leader Samira Gutoc, election lawyer Romulo Macalintal, Cong. Gary Alejano, former Sen. Mar Roxas and Sen. Sen. Grace Poe also made it to the list.


“Napakalaking bagay ng pagkilala at tiwala ng mga taong simbahan kaya taos-puso po akong nagpapasalamat,” said Sen. Bam, who garnered 120 votes during the selection process.


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

Veteran lawmaker Sen. Ping Lacson endorses Sen. Bam’s re-election bid

Veteran senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has endorsed the candidacy of re-electionist Sen. Bam Aquino, saying a hard-working and productive lawmaker like him deserves a second term in the Senate.

“Kung ako ang masusunod, magandang makabalik si Senator Bam sa Senado,” said Sen. Lacson as he praised Sen. Bam’s determination to pass landmark legislations, such as the Free College Law.

Like Sen. Lacson, Sen. Bam is also an independent-minded lawmaker and is concerned primarily about helping the poor and the marginalized.

In an earlier statement, Sen. Lacson said that Sen. Bam, as principal sponsor and co-author of the free college law, persevered to make this landmark piece of legislation a reality.

After gathering dust in the legislative mill for years, Sen. Bam worked for the passage of the Free College Law as principal sponsor in the Senate during his term as chairman of the Committee on Education in the 17th Congress.

“Kapag napapag-usapan 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.

As the law’s principal sponsor, Sen. Lacson said Sen. Bam had to defend the measure from the intense questioning and scrutiny of his colleagues.

“Iyong sponsor, siya iyong nagde-defend. Iyon ang mas mahirap na gawin, kasi tatayo ka doon, tatanungin ka ng mga kasamahan mo, idedepensa mo iyong bill, iyong panukalang batas na itinutulak mo,” explained Lacson.

“Iyong pagiging author, susulat mo lang iyon, ipa-file mo, pero ang magde-defend, yan ang napakahirap, kasi napakaraming  pilosopo kaming kasama doon, tatanungin ka ng kaliit-liitang detalye ng panukalang batas, o yung bill, na dinedepensa mo,” he added.

Volunteers embark on four-day trip around Northern Luzon to help Sen. Bam’s re-election bid

Campaign volunteers of Sen. Bam Aquino have launched a four-day trip around Northern Luzon from March 20 to 23 to consolidate support and garner additional volunteers to boost his re-election bid.


Dubbed as “Bamwagon”, the trip covers Pangasinan, Benguet, Mt. Province, Kalinga Apayao, Nueva Vizcaya, Nueva Ecija and Bulacan, where the volunteers hope to gain more support for Sen. Bam.


“Gagawin namin ito bilang tulong kay Sen. Bam na makabalik sa Senado. Kailangan ng taumbayan ang katulad ni Sen. Bam,” said Bianca Lacaba of Kaya Natin, one of the convenors of the trip.


“We will be using our own money and resources in this endeavor. This is our way to help Sen. Bam return to the Senate and continue his work for the welfare of the Filipino people,” said Atty. Julz Esquivas.


Esquivas stressed that Sen. Bam deserves a second term, given his track record and legislative accomplishments of more than 40 laws in less than six years as lawmaker.

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