Other Issues

Sen. Bam votes to stop TRAIN from passing Congress

The tax reform package will increase prices for all Filipinos without the necessary safeguards to protect our poor countrymen.
 
This is the reason given by Senator Bam Aquino as he rejected the approval of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion or TRAIN.
 
While Sen. Bam is a co-author of the income tax reform bill and is in full support of increasing the take home pay of many Filipino working class, he voted no to the bundled tax reform package due to the provisions on excise tax on fuel and sweetened beverage tax, which will lead to higher prices of goods and services. 
 
“I cannot, in good conscience, vote for the approval of this tax reform package. Hindi ako pabor sa mga probisyon na magdudulot ng pagtaas ng presyo ng bilihin, lalo na dahil ang mga mahihirap na Pilipino ang pinaka tinatamaan dito,” said Sen. Bam on his no-vote for the tax reform package.
 
To cushion the blow to the poor, the Department of Finance 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.
 
But during the period of amendments in the Senate, Sen. Bam’s proposal requiring the financial assistance mechanism to be in place before taxes are increased was not accepted.
 
“Hindi dapat ipataw ang mga bagong tax na magpapataas ng presyo ng bilihin, tulad ng excise tax on fuel, hangga’t hindi nasisigurado ng gobyerno na magiging maayos ang unconditional cash transfer program,” Sen. Bam stressed.
 
The DOF admitted that they cannot implement the financial support program for poor families in time for the price increases because of TRAIN next year.
 
The senator also lamented that the government is forcing hardworking Filipinos to compensate for our inefficiency in tax collection of both the Bureau of Customs and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
 
Based on data from the Finance Department, Sen. Bam said the government can still collect an additional P726 Billion or 6.44% of GDP if we simplify, address inefficiencies and remove loopholes in BIR.
 
The government can still collect at least P231 billion or equivalent of 2% of GDP if the P1.8 Trillion importation gap or smuggling is resolved by BOC.
 
“Para sa pamilyang Pilipino, lalo na para sa mga mahihirap nating kababayan, kontra po ako sa pagtaas ng buwis at pagtaas ng presyo,” Sen. Bam said.

Sen. Bam Aquino votes to reject Martial Law extension

Senator Bam Aquino voted to reject the government’s call to extend Martial Law in Mindanao because of the absence of actual rebellion now that firefighting in Marawi City has ceased.
 
Sen. Bam mentioned that in the deliberations of the 1987 Constitution, the framers used the word actual instead of imminent so as not to create confusion and not to give the President a wide latitude of discretion which may be abused.
 
Also, Sen. Bam believes that the one-year extension is too long, which could abrogate the Congress’ duty on check and balances, which is provided by the Constitution among the branches of government.
 
“One year seems unreasonable. It is akin to being indefinite as there are no clear milestones to reach and no distinct reasons for needing an entire year,” said Sen. Bam.
 
“The period of the original declaration is 60 days. Any extension should be reckoned in this light, so 1 whole year really seems grossly unreasonable,” said Sen. Bam.
 
Sen. Bam stressed that Martial Law is an extraordinary measure and that the military should not need Martial Law in order to function well and keep Mindanao secure.
 
“The reasons given by the Executive are persistent all over the country, not just in Mindanao. The logic used in the request for extension can easily be used to declare nationwide Martial Law,” warned Sen. Bam.

No to Martial Law Extension in Mindanao. Yes to Swift, Corruption-free Rehab: Statement of Senators Aquino, Drilon, Hontiveros, Pangilinan, Trillanes

We, members of the minority, support the position of Mindanaoans for NO martial law extension in their home island. Lifting military rule, specifically in Marawi, will hasten the return of affected residents to their homes, according to its citizens. 
 
Martial law, together with the air strikes, was the reason why they fled Marawi in the early days of the Maute siege. And martial law is also the reason why they are afraid to return, even in cleared areas. 
 
After the pronounced liberation of Marawi and the announced focus on rehabilitation and trade, what will be the role of the people of Marawi in the planning and rehabilitation of their city? 
 
What guarantees do they have that they can return to their old location and start life anew? As security forces reign supreme during martial law, would not military rule actually get in the way of a people-centered rebuilding and rehabilitating of the once vibrant city? What is the need for martial law? Would martial law suspend bidding for the reconstruction of the city?

Statement of Opposition Senators Aquino, Drilon, Hontiveros, Pangilinan, and Trillanes on De Lima’s Award

We warmly congratulate Sen. Leila de Lima for being named by Foreign Policy as one of 2017’s leading Global Thinkers. FP could not have bestowed this award on a more deserving public servant. 
 
Sen. Leila’s dedication to the cause of justice and human rights in the country, especially where it concerns the brutal war on drugs that has taken thousands of lives in the span of a year, has not gone unnoticed. 
 
Her steadfast convictions have captured the interest of people all over the world and have started a global conversation that throws into sharp focus the dangers and abuses happening under this administration’s ruthless anti-drug campaign. 
 
Despite her detention, she remains true to her principles, and is resolute and unwavering in her beliefs. Sen. Leila’s continued battle gives hope and courage to those who feel helpless amid the rampant injustices in our society. 
 
We are proud to have such an indomitable spirit among our ranks, and we will stand by her as she carries on with her campaign against injustice and human rights abuses in our country. 
 
This award serves as a reminder to all of us that you can never put a strong woman down, much less one who sides with truth.

Sen. Bam to gov’t: Guarantee financial assistance before price increase

Senator Bam Aquino urged the government to ensure that financial assistance for the poor through the cash transfer program is implemented by the time the tax reform program is rolled out.
 
“Mahihirap na pamilya ang masasagasaan ng tax reform dahil sa pagtaas ng bilihin. Kaya dapat talagang isabay ang financial assistance sa pagpapatupad ng TRAIN sa Enero 2018 kapag ito’y naisabatas,” Sen. Bam said in a radio interview.
 
Sen. Bam was referring to the financial assistance that will be given to poor Filipino families to help them absorb the brunt of the effects of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) once it is enacted into law and implemented in January 2018.
 
Under the Senate version of financial assistance, poor families will be given P300 a month for three years.
 
During the period of amendments, Sen. Bam worked for the retention of the financial assistance program in the Senate version of the measure and pushed for its implementation on January 2018 to help the poor Filipinos bear the brunt of the expected increase in prices of basic commodities and services.
 
However, the Department of Finance (DOF) said it cannot implement the cash transfer program and the TRAIN at once but will try to do so.
 
Even the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) stated that they cannot roll out the cash transfer program in January 2018, as they still need to finalize the database of families, among other preparations.
 
“Sana makita natin sa final version na magkasabay ang programang iyan para sa mahihirap. Kung may mangyayaring pagtaas ng presyo, dapat kasabay sa Enero ang tulong na ibibigay sa kanila,” said Sen. Bam.
 
“Kailangan masiguro natin na may makukuhang suporta ang ating mga mahihirap na kababayan na magsisilbing pambalanse sa mga epekto ng panukalang ito, kabilang na ang pagtaas ng presyo ng bilihin,” Sen. Bam added.
 
Aside from the financial assistance, Sen. Bam pushed for the amendment to exempt micro-enterprises from paying the 3% percentage tax, on top of their income tax exemption.
 
With Sen. Bam’s amendment, micro-entrepreneurs like sari-sari stores, vendors, and farmers would enjoy tax-free status and be spared from harassment by tax agents. The senator also proposed to simplify bookkeeping records and requirements for micro businesses. Sen. Bam’s amendments would come at no additional cost to the government.

Sen. Bam fears whitewash at Customs

A senator expressed shock over the Department of Justice’s decision to clear Bureau of Customs (BOC) officials in connection with the smuggling of P6.4 billion worth of shabu into the country last May.

“Kakaiba iyan. Sa aming pagdinig sa Senado, kitang-kita na hindi mangyayari ang pagpasok ng droga sa bansa kung walang kasabwat sa loob ng BOC. It takes two to tango,” said Sen. Bam Aquino during a radio interview.

“Whether pinapasok iyan dahil kasangkot sila, o dahil sa corruption dahil nasilaw sila sa pera. Whatever the case, liable pa rin sila at kasama pa rin sila sa nagpasok ng droga sa bansa,” added the senator.

“Kakaiba ho iyan pero marami namang kakaiba sa DOJ ngayon,” said Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam stressed that the draft report of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, headed by Sen. Richard Gordon, recommended that cases be filed against Customs officials, led by former commissioner Nicanor Faeldon.

Sen. Bam: Shield the poor from admin’s tax increases

How about the country’s poor?

 Senator Bam Aquino raised this question as he opposed moves to remove the earmarking provision of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN), which is aimed at helping country’s poor cope with the expected increase in prices of goods and services brought about by the government’s proposed tax measure.

 “This tax measure will hit the poorest of our countrymen the hardest. It’s necessary on our part to have the earmarking and an effective cash transfer program para sa ating mahihirap na kababayan,” said Sen. Bam during the period of amendments for TRAIN.

 Earmarking allots parts of revenues generated from the tax measure to several priority programs, including financial assistance to the country’s poor through an unconditional cash transfer program to help them cope with the expected price increase once the measure is enacted into law.

 Based on computation, the country’s poor will be given a P300 monthly financial assistance for a certain period of time to help cover the increase in prices of basic goods due to additional tax on sugar beverages and petroleum. 

“Kailangan matiyak na mayroong makukuhang tulong kada buwan mula sa pamahalaan ang mga mahihirap na pamilya upang mabalanse ang pagtaas ng presyo ng bilihin. Kung hindi natin gagawin iyan, we will be passing a measure which will hit our poorest countrymen the worst,” Sen. Bam stressed, adding that the Department of Finance itself presented the cash transfer program as the best solution to help the country’s poor cope with the increase in prices.

 During the period of amendments, Sen. Bam committed to present proposals on how to ensure that the welfare of the country’s poor will be protected under this tax reform program.

 “Kailangan nating isipin ang kapakanan ng mga kababayan nating mahihirap na siyang tatamaan nang husto sa pagtaas ng presyo ng bilihin,” said Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam grateful for Church’s leadership in fighting culture of violence

Sen. Bam Aquino welcomed the Catholic Church’s initiative to spearhead the call for a stop to killings, saying it’s the first and most important step in achieving much-needed healing to the country.

 “Natutuwa kami na nananawagan na ang Simbahan sa buong taumbayan na makiisa sa pagtigil ng mga patayang nangyayari,” said Sen. Bam after the “Lord Heal Our Land Sunday” Holy Mass at the EDSA Shrine.

“Bilang mga Kristiyano, at bilang Pilipino, sumasang-ayon kami sa panawagan ng Simbahan na itigil na ang patayan at simulan na ang paghilom ng ating bayan,” added Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam was one of the opposition figures who answered the Church’s call for the country’s healing. He also joined the procession to the People Power Monument (PPM) where a prayer for the country’s healing was also conducted.

 In his homily, Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president, Archbishop Socrates Villegas, stressed the need to end extrajudicial killings and fight the festering culture of violence in the country.

 “Stopping the killings is only one big step. The journey of healing for the values of our nation turned upside down will be a long journey still,” Archbishop Villegas said.

 “​Hindi ito ang Pilipinas, at hindi ganito ang Pilipino. Ang inaawit natin ay ​’​ang mamatay nang dahil sa ‘yo’,​ hindi ​’​ang pumatay ng dahil sa ‘yo'”​, he added.

 Thousands of people from different walks of life attended the Holy Mass and joined the procession to the PPM with the image of the Our Lady of Fatima.

 The “Lord Heal Our Land Sunday” ushers in the start of a 33-day period of church activities for the continued healing of the nation, where the CBCP urged Filipinos to pray the Prayer of Saint John Paul II and the Holy Rosary for the country and for the souls of all those killed.

 The 33-day period will end on December 8, in time for the feast of the Immaculate Conception, the patroness of the Philippines.

Sen. Bam seeks job security for AFP reservists

A senator has filed a measure seeking to protect the employment rights of members of the reserve force of our Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) when they render military service for the country.

“The measure aims to ensure that Reservists will be reinstated to their civilian careers by the end of their required military service, whether for training or deployment purposes,” said Sen. Bam Aquino in his Senate Bill No 1607 or the Reservist Employment Rights Act.

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.

“This 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,” added Sen. Bam.

During the Marawi siege, around two battalions from the reserve command were mobilized alongside the regular soldiers of the AFP to fight the terrorists who held the city under siege for five months.

 Sen. Bam said some of the reservists temporarily left their jobs behind when they were mobilized to Marawi City. Unfortunately, some of them never regained their old positions or were reassigned to other offices due to their long absence from work.

“This 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,” said Sen. Bam.

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 for discriminating current and prospective reservists.

“We owe it to these courageous Filipinos to professionalize the Reserve Force. Let’s reward our Reservists the legal rights and protections they deserve,” Sen. Bam pointed out.

Sen. Bam: Unite, work together for Marawi rehab

Now that Marawi City has been liberated from the grasp of the Maute Group, Sen. Bam Aquino urged all stakeholders to work together to heal, rebuild and create prosperity in the city.

“Now, we must illuminate the hopeful Filipino spirit. It’s time to work together to heal, rebuild and create prosperity in Marawi City,” said Sen. Bam, a member of the Special Committee on Marawi City Rehabilitation.

Sen. Bam’s pronouncement came after Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana declared an end to the five-month fighting in Marawi City.

 Earlier, President Duterte declared the liberation of Marawi City from the terrorist group following the death of terrorists Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute, who were behind the siege that devastated the city.

 “This marks the end of a dark period in Philippine history, when terrorists sowed fear, violence and devastation in the City of Marawi. Our Armed Forces deserve our utmost praise and gratitude for this victory and for sacrificing their lives to bring peace to our country,” said Sen. Bam.

At the same time, Sen. Bam commended members of other local government units, government agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sector who took in evacuees and provided support to families who lost their homes and livelihood.

With the liberation of Marawi City, Sen. Bam said it’s high-time to focus on rebuilding and developing Marawi City.

 “We fully support efforts to rehabilitate Marawi City and to bring normalcy and prosperity into the lives of Maranao families,” said Sen. Bam.

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