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Sen. Bam: Senate will not be pressured by lower chamber

As an independent institution, Sen. Bam Aquino declared that the Senate will not succumb to the pressure from the House of Representatives, which plans to hold a Constituent Assembly as mode to amend the 1987 Constitution even without the Upper Chamber’s participation.
 
“We will not be pressured by the Lower Chamber. The Senate believes that this is a critical reform that must go through the right process,” said Sen. Bam.
 
“Dadaan kami sa naaayon na proseso at panahon na bumabagay sa kahalagahan pagbabago sa Saligang Batas,,” assured Sen. Bam.
 
Earlier, the House approved Resolution No. 9, which seeks to convene Congress into a Constituent Assembly that will introduce changes in the Charter.
 
The House wants to submit a new federal charter for a referendum simultaneously with the scheduled Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections this May.
 
However, Sen. Bam said the Senate will not give in to the House’s timetable, saying a process as important as Charter change should go through the right process.
 
Sen. Bam added that the Senate will make sure that there will be a massive information dissemination to educate the public about Charter change and allow them to participate in discussions, debates and crafting of the necessary amendments to the 1987 Constitution.
 
“Tungkulin namin na ang anumang prosesong pagdadaanan ay para sa taumbayan at hindi lamang para sa mga politiko” Sen. Bam pointed out.
 
In Wednesday’s Senate hearing on proposals to amend the 1987 Constitution, Sen. Bam emphasized the need for trust-building measures, including the passage of an anti-dynasty law, before amending the Charter.

Sen. Bam on House’s plan to continue with Con-Ass even without Senate’s participation

Nagkakaisa ang Senado na hindi kami magpapa-pressure sa timetable ng House of Representatives.

Dadaan kami sa naaayon na proseso at panahon na bumabagay sa kahalagahan ng gagawing proseso ng pagbabago sa Saligang Batas.

 Higit sa lahat, sisiguraduhin namin na naiintindihan at kasapi ang taumbayan sa mga usapin, debate at desisyon.

 Tungkulin namin na ang anumang prosesong pagdadaanan ay para sa taumbayan at hindi lamang para sa mga politiko.

Sen. Bam: Build trust before Cha-cha, pass anti-dynasty law

Senator Bam Aquino insisted that without the trust in the process and the people behind it, no Charter change will be accepted by the public.
 
“Kailangan ng tiwala ng taumbayan sa proseso at tiwala sa nagsasagawa ng proseso. How do we make sure na para ito sa tao at hindi para sa pulitiko,” Sen. Bam said during the Senate hearing on proposals to amend the 1987 Constitution.
 
As part of the confidence-building measure in the process, Sen. Bam suggested that an anti-dynasty law be first enacted ahead of moves to amend the 1987 Constitution.
 
“Intensified political dynasties, even warlordism in some areas might be a drawback of a federal form of government,” said Sen. Bam, emphasizing that passing an anti-dynasty law would enhance the public’s trust in the shift.
 
Former Chief Justice Reynato Puno agreed to Sen. Bam’s pronouncement, saying the existence of political dynasties is one problem that needs to be addressed by those pushing for federalism.
 
“As it is now, these political dynasties already possess so much power. If you go to federalism, you will not only be giving them so much power, but you will be giving them sovereign powers, and that is a no-no,” said Puno.
 
Earlier, Sen. Bam objected to the House’s move to convene Congress into a Constituent Assembly.
 
Sen. Bam issued the statement after the House approved Resolution No. 9, which seeks to convene Congress into a Constituent Assembly that will introduce changes in the Charter.
 
The Senator believes that a process as important as a Constitutional Change cannot be rushed and proposed that if ever a change will be done, a Constitutional Convention process would be more acceptable to the people than a Constituent Assembly composed of politicians.

Sen. Bam on Charter Change, plans to abolish OVP

Proteksiyon laban sa diktaturya ang karapatan ng Pilipinong maghalal ng Bise Presidente mula sa iba, kahit pa kalabang partido ng Pangulo. 
 
Ang diwa ng ating demokrasya ay nakalantad sa mga checks and balances tulad nito sa ating Konstitusyon.
 
Sa pagtalakay natin sa Charter Change, kailangang tiyakin na ang mga proteksiyong ito ay mananatili o hihigitan pa, ngayon na mas kailangan natin ito.

Sen. Bam: 2019 elections, essential to our democracy

Sen. Bam Aquino opposed a possible no-election scenario in 2019 due to the planned shift of government to federal form, saying allowing people to select the leaders they want is essential to democracy.
 
“Ang pagboto ay bahagi ng ating demokrasya. Mahalaga na magkaroon ng tsansa ang mga tao na iboto ang mga lider na gusto nila,” said Sen. Bam in a television interview.
 
Sen. Bam emphasized that the midterm election should push through, saying it will serve as an auditing of the first three years of the current administration and currently elected officials, whether campaign promises are fulfilled or not.
 
“Dumadaan tayo sa mga prosesong iyan dahil demokrasya tayo. Mahalaga na mayroon tayong eleksiyon. Mahalaga na mayroon tayong paraan upang makapagsalita ang taumbayan kung ano ang gusto nila,” said Sen. Bam.
 
On the possibility of a term extension, Sen. Bam responded that this would self-serving to incumbent officials whose term will end in 2019.
 
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Sen. Bam warns public: Brace for increase in prices in 2018

Senator Bam Aquino informed the public to brace for the increase in prices of basic commodities in 2018 due to the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN)  that was enacted into law recently by the government.
 
“We won’t be surprised by the increase in prices in 2018. Ito ang dahilan kung bakit kumontra tayo sa pagsasabatas ng TRAIN dahil masasagasaan nito ang mga kababayan nating mahihirap,” said Sen. Bam.
 
Sen. Bam made the reaction after the Industrial Group of Zamboanga warned that prices of sardines will increase starting next year due to the excise tax imposed on petroleum products.
 
“Ito’y isa lang sa inaasahan nating pagtaas sa presyo ng bilhin na ang papasan ay ang mahihirap nating kababayan,” Sen. Bam said.
 
Sen. Bam rejected the TRAIN’s approval due to the inability of government to implement the financial assistance program in time for the increase in prices due to provisions on excise tax on fuel and sweetened beverage tax.
 
The Department of Finance (DOF) proposed a cash transfer program with a P200 monthly financial assistance on the first year and P300 monthly financial assistance for the second and third year to help cover the increase in prices of basic goods.
 
During the period of amendments, Sen. Bam pushed for the immediate implementation of the cash transfer program to help poor Filipinos absorb the expected increase in the prices of goods and services.  However, Sen. Bam’s proposal was not accepted by the DOF.
 
“In the end, poor Filipinos will bear the brunt of this tax reform program as it will increase the prices of basic commodities without the immediate cash transfer assistance to the poor” said Sen. Bam.
 
Sen. Bam renewed his call to the government to speed up the implementation of the cash transfer program so poor people won’t be burdened by the increase in prices.
 
Sen. Bam is also hoping that the increase in take-home pay will be enough to offset the increase of prices of goods and services.
 
In addition, the lawmaker urged the government to focus on improving the performance of revenue-generating agencies such as the Bureau of Customs (BoC) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
 
Data from the Finance Department shows that an additional P726 billion can still be collected by government by addressing inefficiencies and removing loopholes in the BIR.
 
The government can also collect at least P231 billion if the importation gap and smuggling is resolved by BOC.

Sen. Bam Aquino, AFP join forces to empower more reservists

All three branches of service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) expressed full support behind Sen. Bam Aquino’s bill to provide AFP reservists with job security while rendering military service for the country.
 
“This is one of the ways we show our gratitude for the service you provide,” Sen. Bam Aquino expressed to the AFP during the hearing of the Subcommittee for Labor and Employment on Senate Bill No. 1607 or the Reservist Employment Rights Act.
 
Ranking officials from the Air Force, Army and Navy, as well as other stakeholders expressed their full backing of Senate Bill No. 1607, authored by Sen Bam, and all committed to work together to encourage more Filipino reservists to be more active in rendering service to the nation.
 
According to Rear Admiral Roberto Empedrad, the AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Reservists and Retiree Affairs, SBN 1607 is the much needed reinforcement to fully implement Section 32 of RA 7077.
 
The AFP official said that the concern of reservists regarding their security of tenure in their civilian jobs hinder the mobilization and training of the kind of reservists most needed by the AFP. 
 
Rear Admiral Robert Empedrad said Senate Bill No. 1607 authored by Sen. Bam amplifies and puts flesh to the provision of Section 32 of RA 7077, which provides for security of tenure for reservists in their civilian jobs.
 
“The enactment of Senate Bill No. 1607 is very important to us since it will help in the administration of our unsung heroes, our volunteer reservists,” said Rear Admiral Empedrad.
 
Air Force Vice Commander, M/Gen. Jose Tanjuan said Senate Bill 1607 is in harmony with the general provisions of RA 7077, as it particularly strengthens its manpower development provision. He added that the measure also supports the Labor Code’s provision covering the security of tenure on employment of reservists undergoing annual duty training and mobilization.
 
“With the enactment of bill, reservists shall be more motivated and focused on their task since they will be unburdened with the problem of security of tenure and compensation,” said M/Gen. Tanjuan.
 
B/Gen. Gilbery Gapay, chief of staff of the Philippine Army, also expressed full support for the enactment of the measure into law, saying it will help in enhancing one of the most important programs in the Army.
 
Concerned government agencies, such as Government Service Insurance System, Department of Labor, Social Security System and PAG-IBIG Fund also expressed willingness to help enhance the measure, making it attuned to the present needs of reservists.
 
Under Sen. Bam’s measure, reservists shall be entitled to their original position, or to a substantially equivalent position, without loss of seniority rights, and diminution of pay.
 
The bill also ensures that companies cannot require reservists to use their standard leave credits entitled them for absences, for the military service they are required to render.
 
Furthermore, the bill protects reservists who suffered any injury or disability as they would still be entitled to reinstatement as long as they can perform the essential function of their original employment.
 
The measure also gives adequate training for reservists, compensation for non-reinstatement and military service and penalties employers in case of discriminating any employee or job applicant for being a reservist.
 
Sen Bam said that this bill is intended to bolster further the Reserve Force Development program of the AFP and ensure that we encourage more professionals, specialists, and subject matter experts to help in our national security by being active reserve officers of the AFP. 
 
“With this bill, we hope that the Category One types, ages 18 – 35 years old, who are most needed will be more encouraged to sign up and be active,” said Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam: TRAIN to burden millions of Filipino families in 2018

Poor Filipinos will have to deal with higher prices of goods and services without any financial assistance from the government once the tax reform program it is implemented next year, according to Sen. Bam Aquino.
 
“While the government is determined to implement the tax reform program starting next year, it will take months before it rolls out the cash transfer program for poor Filipinos,” said Sen. Bam.
 
The Department of Finance (DOF) proposed a cash transfer program with a P200 monthly financial assistance on the first year and P300 monthly financial assistance for the second and third year to help cover the increase in prices of basic goods.
 
However, the DOF said it cannot immediately implement the cash transfer program and the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) at the same time.
 
In the period of amendments, Sen. Bam pushed for the immediate implementation of the cash transfer program to help poor Filipinos absorb the expected increase in the prices of goods and services.  However, Sen. Bam’s proposal was not accepted by the DOF.
 
During its ratification, Sen. Bam rejected the TRAIN’s approval due to the inability of government to implement the financial assistance program in time for the increase in prices due to provisions on excise tax on fuel and sweetened beverage tax.
 
“In the end, poor Filipinos will bear the brunt of this tax reform program as it will increase the prices of basic commodities,” said Sen. Bam, who rejected the measure despite supporting the increase in take home pay for workers.
 
“Sana mahanapan pa ng paraan, na sa madaling panahon, masabay nila ang pinansyal na tulong doon sa pagtaas ng taxes at pagtaas ng presyo ng napakaraming bilihin sa ating bansa,” added Sen. Bam.
 
Instead of passing the burden to poor Filipinos, Sen. Bam said the government should focus on improving the performance of revenue-generating agencies such as the Bureau of Customs (BoC) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
 
Data from the Finance Department shows that an additional P726 billion can still be collected by government by addressing inefficiencies and removing loopholes in the BIR.
 
The government can also collect at least P231 billion if the importation gap and smuggling is resolved by BOC.

Sen. Bam Aquino’s Explanation of No-Vote for TRAIN Ratification

Thank you, Mr. President.

First of all, Mr. President, let me just say that my no vote at the ratification is by no means an indication of the leadership and the diligence of our Chairman. Our Chairman worked very hard for this bill, and I believe he really did his best to come up with the best version that he could, with the circumstances given to him.

However, Mr. President, if I I could explain my vote, the DOF knows that there was really one major provision or one major aspect of this bill that was important to this representation. At yun, Mr. President, yung epekto ng batas na ito sa napakaraming mahihirap sa ating bansa.

Totoo po, Mr. President, merong 6 million Filipinos ang matutulungan ng batas na ito. 6 million Filipinos, in fairness, Mr. President, and will congratulate this portion of the bill, will go to the larger take-home pay. However, Mr. President, in the records of the Department of Finance, in their deliberations, in their presentations to the individual senators, lumalabas po talaga na dahil sa pagtaas ng bilihin, we’re looking at the bottom 40% of the Filipino people who will carry the brunt of the tax reform because of the increase in prices.

Now, Mr. President, a lot of us have raised this issue. At yung na-mention po ng DOF na tulong sa ating mga kababayan ang unconditional cash transfer. In short, Mr. President, yung pang-balanse sa napakaraming pamilyang Pilipinong naghihirap dahil sa pagtaas ng presyo ng bilihin, at yung pagbibigay ng 200, or- ngayon po 200 pero initially in the Senate version 300 pesos per month na tulong, financial assistance to the bottom, roughly 10 million families to help them with the increase in prices because of the tax reform. Mr. President, with that assertion, marami po sa atin, napanatag ang kalooban.

However, Mr. President, lumabas po doon sa ating interpolation, at lumabas po doon sa ating pananaliksik ng DOF at ng iba pang mga ahensya, na hindi po kayang i-implement ang programang iyon na kasabay sa pagtaas ng presyo ng ating bilihin.

And Mr. President, yun po siguro yung isang bagay na para sa akin, hindi ko pwedeng suportahan ang batas na ito kung hindi maisasabay  ang tulong na pinansyal sa ating mga kababayan doon sa pagtaas ng taxes ng napakaraming produkto sa ating bansa. And I hope, Mr. President, this no-vote will spur our agencies to work faster, and this is, of course, DOF, DSWD, and other concerned agencies, na sana po, hindi gaya ng sabi nila, na hindi kayang isabay ang programa doon po sa pagtaas ng presyo ng mga bilihin. Sana po mahanapan pa po nila ng paraan, na sa madaling panahon, masabay po nila yung programang tulong na pinansyal sa mga kababayan natin doon po sa pagtaas ng taxes sa napakaraming presyo, sa napakaraming bilihin sa ating bansa. And because of that, Mr. President, I, unfortunately, cannot support this measure. Thank you, Mr. President.

Sen. Bam Aquino’s Explanation of No-Vote for TRAIN Ratification

First of all, Mr. President, let me just say that my no vote at the ratification is by no means an indication of the leadership and the diligence of our Chairman. Our Chairman worked very hard for this bill, and I believe he really did his best to come up with the best version that he could, with the circumstances given to him.

However, Mr. President, if I I could explain my vote, the DOF knows that there was really one major provision or one major aspect of this bill that was important to this representation. At yun, Mr. President, yung epekto ng batas na ito sa napakaraming mahihirap sa ating bansa.

Totoo po, Mr. President, merong 6 million Filipinos ang matutulungan ng batas na ito. 6 million Filipinos, in fairness, Mr. President, and will congratulate this portion of the bill, will go to the larger take-home pay. However, Mr. President, in the records of the Department of Finance, in their deliberations, in their presentations to the individual senators, lumalabas po talaga na dahil sa pagtaas ng bilihin, we’re looking at the bottom 40% of the Filipino people who will carry the brunt of the tax reform because of the increase in prices.

Now, Mr. President, a lot of us have raised this issue. At yung na-mention po ng DOF na tulong sa ating mga kababayan ang unconditional cash transfer. In short, Mr. President, yung pang-balanse sa napakaraming pamilyang Pilipinong naghihirap dahil sa pagtaas ng presyo ng bilihin, at yung pagbibigay ng 200, or- ngayon po 200 pero initially in the Senate version 300 pesos per month na tulong, financial assistance to the bottom, roughly 10 million families to help them with the increase in prices because of the tax reform. Mr. President, with that assertion, marami po sa atin, napanatag ang kalooban.

However, Mr. President, lumabas po doon sa ating interpolation, at lumabas po doon sa ating pananaliksik ng DOF at ng iba pang mga ahensya, na hindi po kayang i-implement ang programang iyon na kasabay sa pagtaas ng presyo ng ating bilihin.

And Mr. President, yun po siguro yung isang bagay na para sa akin, hindi ko pwedeng suportahan ang batas na ito kung hindi maisasabay  ang tulong na pinansyal sa ating mga kababayan doon sa pagtaas ng taxes ng napakaraming produkto sa ating bansa. And I hope, Mr. President, this no-vote will spur our agencies to work faster, and this is, of course, DOF, DSWD, and other concerned agencies, na sana po, hindi gaya ng sabi nila, na hindi kayang isabay ang programa doon po sa pagtaas ng presyo ng mga bilihin. Sana po mahanapan pa po nila ng paraan, na sa madaling panahon, masabay po nila yung programang tulong na pinansyal sa mga kababayan natin doon po sa pagtaas ng taxes sa napakaraming presyo, sa napakaraming bilihin sa ating bansa. And because of that, Mr. President, I, unfortunately, cannot support this measure. Thank you, Mr. President.

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