Other Issues

Sen. Bam: We owe it to the people to scrutinize proposed tax reform package

Sen. Bam Aquino assured the public that the Senate will put the tax reform package being pushed by the Duterte administration under the microscope, saying lawmakers owe it to the people. 
 
“Pagdating sa tax reform package, mukhang mahaba-haba pa ang mangyayaring debate tungkol dito,” said Sen. Bam, vice chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means. 
 
“We owe it to the Filipino people na kilatisin iyon kasi at the end of the day, tataas ang presyo ng bilihin dahil sa panukalang ito,” stressed Sen. Bam, adding that the Senate cannot accede to the President request to pass the tax reform package in total. 
 
In an earlier interview, Sen. Bam warned that the government’s plan of imposing excise tax on liquefied petroleum gas, gasoline and diesel under its tax reform package will lead to higher prices of commodities. 
 
“The excise tax on LPG, gasoline and diesel will raise prices eventually. It might be inflationary because everything is transported. This will affect the pockets of our countrymen,” said Sen. Bam. 
 
However, Sen. Bam said he supports the move to reduce personal income tax rate, saying it was part of his advocacy when he became a senator. “Hindi naman tama na iyong CEO at kanyang secretary ay parehong kinakaltasan ng 32 percent na income tax,” said Sen. Bam. 
 
In the 17th Congress, Sen. Bam has filed Senate Bill No. 697 that seeks to revise the current income tax bracket set by the National Internal Revenue Code, which was passed in 1997. 
 
The measure seeks to amend Section 24 of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended, by adjusting the levels of net taxable income and simplifying the nominal tax rates for the purposes of computing the individual income tax.

Sen. Bam’s reaction on President Duterte’s 2nd SONA

Nasaan ang libreng kolehiyo?

 Inasahan ko ang pahayag ng libreng edukasyon sa ating State Universities at Colleges (SUCs), lalo pirma na lang ng Presidente ang kailangan at batas na ito.

 Nakakapanghinayang na hindi ito binanggit.

 We must prioritize education and rise above politics to give more Filipinos access to a college degree.

 Isabatas na ang panukalang ito sa madaling panahon!

Bam: Limit ML extension

Congress must perform its duty of limiting the duration of Martial Law to ensure that checks and balances in government remain.

This was stressed by Sen. Bam Aquino during his brief manifestation during the special session to discuss the Martial Law extension being requested by President Duterte.

“I would definitely try to move for a shorter period of time,” Sen. Bam told Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

 “Nakasaad sa Konstitusyon na kapangyarihan at tungkulin ng lehislatura ang magdesisyon ukol sa pag-extend ng Martial Law. Kaya’t ang mas maikling panahon na 60 days ay hindi deadline, bagkus isang pamamaraan na kung saan nagagawa ng lehislatura ang aming tungkulin,” the senator said.

“At hindi ba nararapat lang na humingi ng pagsang-ayon ang militar sa mga sibilyan na awtoridad?” he added.

The senator reiterated the Congress’ support for the military, saying lawmakers are ready to provide soldiers the necessary equipment and legislative reforms they need to quell the terrorism in Marawi once and for all.

  “Iyong Modernization Act kailangang ipagpatuloy, baka kailangang i-amend ang Procurement Act at iba pang mga batas upang magawa niyo ang trabaho nang maayos,” said Sen. Bam, to which Sec. Lorenzana agreed to.

However, Sen. Bam stressed the need to be prudent about the Martial Law extension to completely quell terrorism in Mindanao.

 “Let us not forget that it is robust development – education, jobs, business and livelihood – that will ultimately beat terrorism,” said Sen. Bam.

The senator added that Martial Law will not help achieve economic development and rehabilitation of the affected areas.

Sen. Bam to call for public hearing on LTFRB-TNVS issue

senator plans to call for a hearing to iron out issues between the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and operators of Transport Network Vehicles (TNVS) for the welfare of thousands of commuters who are relying on the innovative means of transportation.

“Sa away na ito, ang mga nagko-commute at mga driver ang pinakatalo. All parties must sit down and iron this out,” said Sen. Bam Aquino.

“Habang hindi pa naaayos ang mga regulasyon, publiko ang mapeperwisyo. Dapat magkaroon ng kompromiso para sa kapakanan ng ating mananakay,” added Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam said the LTFRB and TNVS must find a way to reach a compromise and determine the best way forward in terms of requirements in getting a franchise.

Sen. Bam also filed Senate Bill No. 696 or the Rideshare Support Company Act, which aims to promote and encourage new, affordable and safe transportation options for the commuting public, like Uber and Grab.

The measure seeks to clarify regulations governing Transportation Network Companies, or Rideshare Support Companies (RSCs), as well as Rideshare Network Drivers and Vehicles.

“In any industry, increased competition often leads to improved quality, improved service, and lower prices for consumers. For the commuting public, this is a change they have long clamored for,” said Sen. Bam.

Once approved, RSCs must obtain certificate of accreditation from LTFRB before getting an authority to onboard qualified Rideshare Network Driver (RND) after a thorough background check and submission of pertinent documents.

Qualified RNDs must also have a minimum P200,000 per passenger personal accident insurance by licensed Philippine insurer.

Sen. Bam on indictment of former President Aquino over Mamasapano

We are confident that former President Aquino will sufficiently answer the charges laid before him and be vindicated.

During the concluded Senate investigations, the former President was candid and transparent with his role and involvement in the Mamasapano tragedy.

We hope that this case will be an opportunity for the courts to reveal the truth and, once and for all, settle this incident in accordance with the rule of law.

Sen. Bam: Let’s work with rideshare companies, prioritize commuters

Sen. Bam Aquino called on the government to listen to the commuting public and to develop reasonable standards for online ride-sharing applications that promote easy and safe commuting.

“We need to provide the commuting public with better options and alternatives to improve their daily commuting experience. The government must work with rideshare companies that share this mission and develop suitable standards and requirements for them,” said Sen. Bam.

Last year, Sen. Bam submitted a measure promoting and encouraging new, affordable and safe transportation options for the commuting public, like Uber and Grab.

 “In any industry, increased competition often leads to improved quality, improved service, and lower prices for consumers. For the commuting public, this is a change they have long clamored for,” said Sen. Bam in his Senate Bill No. 696 or the Rideshare Support Company Act.

In a memorandum circular (MC), the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has already recognized these innovations “as a driver for progress” and as one of the solutions to “help address the increasing demand for mobility spurred by rapid urbanization.”

 “I urge the LTFRB to address this issue of penalties for rideshare companies,” said Sen. Bam. “Then we can focus on passing legislation to develop the industry and to ensure these new transport networks are held accountable for offenses.”

 While the MC is significant milestone for the promotion of ride-sharing services in the country, Sen. Bam said legislation is needed to create and institutionalize an appropriate regulatory framework for this new type of service and to distinguish it from public transport services.

 The proposed measure clarifies the regulations governing Transportation Network Companies, or Rideshare Support Companies (RSCs), as well as Rideshare Network Drivers and Vehicles.

Once approved, RSCs must obtain certificate of accreditation from LTFRB before getting an authority to onboard qualified Rideshare Network Driver (RND) after a thorough background check and submission of pertinent documents.

Qualified RNDs must also have a minimum P200,000 per passenger personal accident insurance by licensed Philippine insurer.

Bam: National ID is for gov’t services and safety, not discrimination

A senator clarified that the national ID system should be used for government services and to promote safety, not to encourage discrimination, following reports that local government units (LGUs) wish to issue IDs only to Muslims.

Sen. Bam Aquino filed Senate Bill 917 or the Filipino Identification System Act, which seeks to establish a unified identification system that will be used as sole required identification in any government transaction. The ID system will be implemented by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

​​“This ​should pave the way to more effective ways of delivering government services such as anti-poverty programs and other social services to improve the quality of life for all,” said Sen. Bam. “Let’s not allow it to be used as a tool for discrimination.”

“Singling Muslims out, giving them an ID and branding them as a potential threat will not make our communities safer. It will only sow animosity,” stressed Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam made the pronouncement after the DILG and police chief De La Rosa released statements encouraging the moves of some local officials to issue identification cards to Muslims in their areas to help them identify individuals linked to terrorist groups.

“​Gamitin natin ng tama ang ID system, para protektahan at bigyan ng mga benepisyo ang Pilipino. Huwag natin gamitin para mang-api ng mga sektor,” Sen. Bam stressed.

Sen. Bam also filed the Anti-Discrimination Act or Senate Bill No. 683 to prohibit and penalize discrimination on the basis of religion or belief, ethnicity, race, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, civil status and HIV status.

Sen. Bam seeks probe on implementation of Air Passenger Bill of Rights

A senator seeks to determine whether the Air Passenger Bill of Rights is being implemented properly amid reports that airlines still charge fees for rebooking, rerouting and cancellations and employ unclear policies that often lead to confusion among passengers.

 In Senate Resolution No. 414, Sen. Bam Aquino said the probe will focus on service-related issues and the airline carriers’ policies on fares, fees and other charges.

 In 2012, the Department of Transportation and Communications and the Department of Trade and Industry released Joint Administrative Order No. 01 or the Air Passengers Bill of Rights, with the goal of promoting balance, fairness, and reasonableness between the passengers and the airline carriers.

 “But air passengers still complain about excessive fees for rebooking and confusing services policies,” said Sen. Bam.

 The senator cited the recommendation of the Department of Justice-Office for Competition, contained in its report dated September 23, 2015, to air carriers operating in the Philippines to adopt international best practices and clarify their policies for rebooking and foregoing flights for various reasons.

 While deregulation of the airline industry resulted in lower airfares, the DOJ-OFC Report indicated that it has given airline carriers much independence in determining their policies regarding fares, fees and other costs.

  “It reached the point where customers have no choice but to accept their rules,” Sen. Bam said.

 In addition, Sen. Bam said airlines still charge customers substantial amount for rebooking, rerouting or cancellation of flights.

  “Our airlines can do better. Let’s improve our services for airline passengers and enhance the travel experience in the Philippines,” the senator emphasized.

Sen. Bam: More work needed to reduce casualties during earthquakes

Sen. Bam Aquino lauded the efforts of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to hold a nationwide earthquake drill to ensure readiness of Filipinos when a strong earthquake hits the country.

However, the senator stressed there’s more work to be done to ensure resiliency of different structures to avoid loss of lives when a Big One hits Metro Manila and different parts of the country.

“Earthquake drills help the community prepare for quakes but there is more we must do to reduce the loss of life. Dapat rin nating tingnan kung matibay at ligtas ba ang mga istruktura sa bansa,” said Sen. Bam, chairman of the Committee on Science and Technology.

Sen. Bam recently conducted a hearing to look into whether the scientific data gathered by Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) is effectively disseminated to allay fears and combat the prevalence of false information online. The probe was also aimed to prepare communities in the occurrence of destructive tremors.

During the hearing, several issues were raised, including the resiliency of structures against strong tremors and the congestion in the Metro Manila, which can contribute to the number of fatalities if not properly addressed.

PHIVOLCS Director Renato Solidum revealed that if the magnitude 6.7 earthquake that killed nine people in Surigao del Norte last February happened in Metro Manila, around 23,000 people will perish.

Sen. Bam emphasized that the high number of fatalities could be avoided if structures and residential houses comply with the Building Code, enabling them to withstand earthquakes of up to magnitude 8 to 9.

The senator is pushing for a periodic review on the resiliency of structures, especially houses, to “ensure that it can withstand strong tremors and avoid loss of lives”.

Sen. Bam also urged concerned government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to make sure that buildings, houses and other structures can withstand strong earthquakes.

The lawmaker also underscored the need for a periodic review of Republic Act 10121 or the Act Strengthening the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System to make it attuned to present needs.

“We’ve already had 163 earthquakes this year. Buhay ang nakasalalay,” Sen. Bam stressed.

The magnitude 6.5 earthquake that rocked Leyte on Thursday brings the count up to 164 earthquakes for 2017.

“Kailangan nang tiyakin ang kaligtasan ng mga istruktura sa ating bansa upang maiwasan ang malawakang pinsala at kawalan ng buhay,” he added.

 

 

Edited: July 7, 2017

 

 

 

 

Sen. Bam calls for stakeholders’ cooperation to combat fake news

With more Filipinos now getting their news from social media, a senator stressed the urgent need to combat the proliferation of fake news online.

“Huwag na tayo magpabola sa mga nagpapakalat ng fake news,” said Sen. Bam Aquino. “Panahon na para labanan ang pekeng balita sa Pilipinas”.

“Hindi lang nakakasira ng reputasyon ang pekeng balita, nilalayo pa tayo sa tunay at mahalagang isyu ng lipunan,” he added.

While he supports the passage of Senate Bill No. 1429, Sen. Bam said it needs to be discussed further.

“Nagkakaisa kami ni Sen. Joel na naniniwala na lahat, lalo na ang ating sworn public servants, ay dapat managot sa pagkalat ng maling balita,” he added.

“Pero marami pa tayong kailangan klaruhin, like what is considered a reasonable period for a social media platform to be able to put down a fake post? What would be an acceptable basis for branding fake news?” Sen. Bam said.

In addition, Sen. Bam called for stakeholders cooperation, from government officials, social media platforms and schools to combat fake news online.

“Kailangan natin ng kooperasyon ng lahat, lalo na mula sa mga opisyal ng pamahalaan, at mga social media platforms para labanan natin ang pagkalat ng pekeng balita sa Internet,” said Sen. Bam, who during his stint as chairman of the Committee on Education pushed for social media literacy in schools.

“In a hearing on social media literacy last year, we already called on schools to better educate the youth on fake news and cyberbullying,” said Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam said fake news is not just a local concern but a worldwide phenomenon, with different countries starting different initiatives to battle its spread.

Countries like France are strengthening their fact-checking capabilities while Germany has passed legislation to regulate social media.

In Malaysia, online chat administrators are facing legal action for allowing spread of disinformation among members of their groups.

Sen. Bam also said Indonesia is setting up an agency that will tackle fake news.

“We must study all possible courses of action and learn from the best and most effective practices,” he said.

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