Other Issues

Bam Seeks to Clarify Gov’t Policy on Uber, GrabCar

A senator seeks to investigate the enforcement of government’s programs and policies on new application-based transportation system in the country, such as Uber and GrabCar.

Sen. Bam Aquino filed Senate Resolution No. 1508 after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) ordered the apprehension of unregistered Internet application-based transport systems with a fine of P200,000 and impoundment of three months.

The LTFRB’s move came after Department of Transportation and Communications issued Department Order No. 2015-11, which recognizes and puts in place appropriate regulation for four new modes of public transportations such as airport buses, bus rapid transits (BRTs), transport network vehicle service (TNVS) and premium taxi.

“There is a need to delineate and clarify the various transportation policies pertaining to the different transport administration components such as planning, policy making, data management and enforcement,” said Sen. Bam, chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.

“The main challenge of the different government agencies and offices is to align their rules and regulations, as well as policies, in order to solve the worsening traffic conditions in Metro Manila,” the senator added.

In his resolution, Sen. Bam said this lack of communication between the DOTC and LTFRB underscores a National Center for Transportation Studies report, which shows lack of coordination and overlapping functions among transportation and traffic related units of the national and local government units.

“The Department Order was issued in response to the call of Uber, GrabCar, other similar Internet application-based transportation networks, and the public to recognize this innovative technology and be able to operate legally,” Sen. Bam.

“Let us continue supporting emerging industries and new business models, especially in our public transportation system that will enhance competition and provide better service to our fellow Filipinos,” said Sen. Bam, a staunch supporter of start-ups.

Bam: Mag-Resign na ang mga Tatakbo

“Tinatawagan natin ang mga tatakbo sa darating na eleksyon na magbitiw sa puwesto bilang mga opisyal ng Executive Departnent upang hindi maakusahang ginagamit ang kanilang posisyon sa pamumulitika, para hindi maantala ang trabaho ng mga ahensiya na kanilang pinamumunuan at maipagpatuloy ang pagbibigay ng serbisyo sa ating taumbayan.

Tularan nila ang naging hakbang ni Secretary Mar Roxas, na nag-anunsiyong magbibitiw na bilang kalihim ng Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).”

Bam on PNoy’s Last SONA

“In his final SONA, we expect the President to lay down all the gains that the country has achieved under his administration.

Among them is his successful drive against graft and corruption that has boosted investors’ confidence in the country.

This renewed confidence has resulted in the unprecedented growth of the country’s economy, which is now the second strongest in Asia next to China.

The passage of important economic bills such as the Philippine Competition Act and the Foreign Ships Co-Loading Act are also worth mentioning, considering the positive impact that these laws may bring to our economy.

Worth discussing also are the reforms that we’ve put in place in our national budget systems, in education & social services, in infrastructure and in the culture of transparency & accountability of our public servants and institutions.

We also know that we cannot win the fight against poverty in six years.  Thus, we expect that the President will also lay down the much needed reforms that need to be done by the next administration.

With less than a year remaining in this administration, we are in the homestretch.

We need to work hand in hand to sustain the gains of this administration especially in our economy, the fight against graft and corruption, in the alleviation of our poor and in the realization of inclusive growth.

We have worked hard for these achievements in the past five years. We must not let these gains go down the drain.

Kumbaga sa basketball, last two minutes na. Time to go for the win!

 On the part of the Congress, we must pass crucial measures such as the Bangsamoro Basic Law, Sangguniang Kabataan Reform, amendments to the Corporation Code and Microfinance NGOs Act, among others.

These laws will help ensure that the momentum of these gains will continue beyond this administration.”

Bam to Consumers: Be Vigilant against Fake, Tainted Products

Senator Bam Aquino has called on consumers to be more vigilant on what they purchase, with the reported entry of fake rice and noodles and tainted candies in the market.

“Consumers have to be always on guard on what they buy, now that fake and tainted products have made it to the market,” said Sen. Bam, chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.

“Mahalagang malaman at mabantayan kung ligtas ba o hindi ang ating binibiling produkto dahil buhay at kalusugan natin ang nakataya,” added Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam made the pronouncement amid reports of fake rice and noodles reportedly being sold in Davao City. At the same time, around 2,000 people suffered food poisoning after consuming tainted durian candies in the Caraga region.

“We call on our small businesses to ensure that our products are safe and fit for consumption for the welfare of our consumers,” Sen. Bam, a staunch advocate of the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the country, stressed.

Earlier, Sen. Bam has filed a measure seeking to amend the 23-year-old Consumer Act of the Philippines to give it more teeth and make it more effective in protecting the welfare of consumers.

“In order to build stronger commercial systems and maintain thriving markets, there is a need to bolster the rights of consumers and we need to do this at the soonest possible time,” Sen. Bam said in his Senate Bill No. 2699.

If enacted into law, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will be authorized to close down any establishment caught in the act of selling, distributing, manufacturing, producing, displaying or importing hazardous products.

In case of product recall, manufacturers of defective products will also be required to give notice to every person to whom such consumer product was delivered or sold to. 

The measure also raises the administrative fines against erring manufacturers from P50,000 up to P10 million, depending on the discretion by the Trade Secretary. The current law imposes a fine of P500 to P300,000.

Bam: Charge Negligent Gov’t Employees Ormoc City Ferry Tragedy

Negligent government employees must also be held accountable for allowing the ill-fated M/B Kim Nirvana to leave port despite being overloaded, Senator Bam Aquino stressed.

“While we welcomed swift action against the captain, ship operator and crew of the ferry that capsized off Ormoc City, erring government employees must also charged for their failure to ensure the safety of passengers,” Sen. Bam said.

 “Government employees in the area are as culpable as the captain, operator and crew of M/B Kim Nirvana for the death of 61 people. They should also be held responsible for this incident,” added the senator. 

On Saturday, authorities have filed multiple murder charges against the owner Joge Bung Zarco, boat captain Warren Oliverio and 17 crew members of M/B Kim Nirvana.

The Philippine Coast Guard has already relieved two of its personnel – Fidel Blanco and John Sabado – for allowing the vessel to leave port despite being overloaded. However, the two were not charged.

“Hindi puwedeng kapitan, may-ari ng barko at mga tauhan lang ang papanagutin sa pangyayaring ito.  Dapat tiyakin na lahat ng may responsibilidad at kasalanan ang siyang mapapanagot at maparusahan,” Sen. Bam said.

Earlier, Sen. Bam reiterated his call to investigate the seaworthiness of maritime vessels in the country in the wake of this recent sea tragedy.

As early as May 2014, Sen. Bam has filed Senate Resolution No. 652, calling for the investigation on the seaworthiness of maritime vessels to ensure their safe and efficient operations and avoid maritime accidents.

However, the resolution gathered dust and was never heard by the appropriate Senate committee.

In his resolution, Sen. Bam emphasized that the national government has the duty to implement positive measures that can alleviate, if not resolve, the recurring maritime accidents over the past decades.

“Magpapatuloy ang ganitong sistema kung papayagan nating makaligtas sa asunto ang mga tauhan ng pamahalaan na may tungkulin na tiyaking ligtas ang pagbiyahe ng ating mga kababayan,” he stressed.

Bam Reiterates Call to Probe Seaworthiness of Maritime Vessels

Senator Bam Aquino has renewed his call to investigate the seaworthiness of maritime vessels in the country in the wake of the recent sea tragedy that claimed the lives of 36 people in Ormoc City.

“I reiterate my call to investigate whether our maritime vessels are seaworthy. Huwag na nating hintayin maulit pa ang nangyari sa Ormoc bago tayo mag-imbestiga at gumawa ng reporma,” Sen. Bam stressed.

As early as May 2014, Sen. Bam filed Senate Resolution No. 652, calling for the investigation on the seaworthiness of maritime vessels to ensure their safe and efficient operations and avoid maritime accidents.

However, the resolution gathered dust and was never heard by the appropriate Senate committee. 

“Mahalagang malaman natin kung ligtas pa bang gamitin ng ating mga kababayan ang mga sasakyang pandagat upang wala nang magbuwis pa ng buhay sa mga ganitong uri ng insidente,” the senator stressed.

In his resolution, Sen. Bam emphasized that the national government has the duty to implement positive measures that can alleviate, if not resolve, the recurring maritime accidents over the past decades.

“It should give appropriate emphasis on the seaworthiness of our vessels and must demonstrate stronger commitment in the effective implementation of the laws in order to safeguard the safety of the public,” Sen. Bam said. 

“Dapat nating siguruhin na tinutupad ng mga may-ari ng mga sasakyang pandagat ang kanilang papel na tiyaking ligtas ang biyahe ng ating mga kababayan,” Sen. Bam said.

Bam to New BuCor Chief: Prepare for Challenges Ahead

Be prepared for the tough challenges ahead.

 Sen. Bam Aquino made this advice to newly appointed Bureau of Corrections director general Ret. Lt. Gen. Ricardo Cruz III as he congratulated him on his new post.

“General Cruz must be prepared for the tough challenges that await him in his new position. Many have failed to address these challenges, but with Cruz’s vast experience, I am sure he’s the right man for the job,” Sen. Bam said.

Sen. Bam said among the challenges that will put Cruz to the test are the VIP treatment of moneyed prisoners, congestion and the alleged operation of drug syndicates inside the National Bilibid Prisons (NBP).

“A caste-like system in our prisons is unacceptable. Justice will not fully be served if some prisoners still enjoy the perks and privileges while incarcerated while poor prisoners endure the worst,” the senator said.

“The alleged operation of drug syndicates inside the prison walls must also be addressed immediately to prevent them from destroying more lives and families,” Sen. Bam added.

The senator also urged Cruz to expedite the release of prisoners who have fully served the sentences or those eligible for pardon to decongest the country’s cramped prisons.

 “We challenge the new director to speed up the processing of the release papers of the inmates, who have served their terms dutifully.  This way, the NBP would also be decongested,” Sen. Bam stressed.

The senator also called on the government to implement thorough reform in the system in all BuCor prisons all over the country, making conditions more humane for prisoners.

“They may be behind bars for their crimes, but they are still human beings who deserve humane treatment and we must not deprive them of that right,” the senator added.

 By implementing reforms that will help reform these prisoners, Sen. Bam said they would emerge better and more productive citizens for our society.

No split in Liberal Party ranks over Mar, Poe, says Bam Aquino

Senator Paolo “Bam” Aquino IV yesterday denied the Liberal Party (LP) is divided due to the possible entry of Sen. Grace Poe Llamanzares as the party’s standard-bearer in the May, 2016, elections, with party members split between her and Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

“Hindi naman (Not really). We’re part of a democracy. Siyempre po, may gusto tayo at ayaw  (Of course, we have some people we like, some we don’t),” Aquino told reporters in an interview. “Ganoon din po ang Liberal Party  (It’s the same with the Liberal Party),” he said.

“May proseso pong pinagdadaanan. Palagay ko naman kapag tapos na ang prosesong iyan ay muling magsasama-sama ang partidong kinalalagyan ko. (We go through the process. I think after we finish that process, the party will come together again),” he said.

Drilon had earlier said he hopes Roxas declares his intention to join the presidential race amid speculations of a possible tandem with Poe.

“Let me say we have an official process in the party but I would take the position that Mar Roxas should now declare his intention,” Drilon said. “If he is indeed interested — and I think he is – he should declare now his intention that he would want to present himself as a candidate for the presidency in 2016.”

Drilon said he believes Roxas is the person who can continue the reforms and programs initiated by the Aquino administration.

Senator Aquino said the party cannot afford to choose the next leader on the basis alone of personality. “Dapat tanungin natin, ano ba talaga ang plano nila. Sino ba ang may kakayahan na dalhin tayo sa kinabukasan? (We should ask them what are their plans? Who has the capability to bring about a future for our country),” he said.

“Five years from now, dapat ang Pilipinas yumayaman na. Dapat ang mga kababayan natin di na kailangang mangibang bansa para makakuha ng magtrabaho. Dapat iyong mahihirap mayroon  ng pagkain, trabaho, at may negosyo na (The Philippines should already be rich, our countrymen should no longer be going abroad just to find work. The poor should have food, jobs and their own businesses),” he said.

The question is who will help the country achieve that? I think those who aspire to run for office should be able to answer those questions, Senator  Aquino said.


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Bam: Is Metro Manila Ready for a Massive Quake?

“Handa ba ang Metro Manila sa pagtama ng malakas na lindol?”

Senator Bam Aquino has filed a resolution seeking to assess the capacity and preparedness of different stakeholders in case a massive earthquake hits the country.

Sen. Bam’s move stemmed from the recent massive magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Nepal that killed more than 8,000 people and the magnitude 7.2 tremor that shook Bohol and Cebu in 2013 that killed more than 200 people.

“There is a need to assess and strengthen the capacities and preparedness of the concerned national government agencies, local government units, and partner stakeholders to mitigate and prepare for, respond to, and recover from the impact of a massive earthquake,” Sen. Bam said in Proposed Senate Resolution 1354.

With the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters, Sen. Bam said the institutionalization of systems, plans, programs and approaches must be prioritized to beef up disaster resilience of local communities, especially in vulnerable areas in the Greater Metro Manila Area (GMMA).

Sen. Bam said the GMMA is vulnerable to earthquakes because of the presence of a Valley Fault System composed of a 10-kilometer East Valley Fault in Rizal and a 100-kilometer West Valley Fault that runs through different cities and municipalities of Bulacan, Rizal, Metro Manila, Cavite and Laguna.

Based on a study conducted by the Metropolitan Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction Study in 2004, a potential rupture of the 90-kilometer West Valley Fault would lead to heavy or partial damage to 40 percent of all residential buildings, 34,000 deaths, and 114,000 injuries.

“A significant factor in ensuring earthquake safety is ensuring the ability of houses, buildings and all public infrastructure to withstand earthquakes even with magnitudes of 8 to 10,” Sen. Bam said.

With this, Sen. Bam said there is an urgent need to audit the safety of existing and future construction projects to ensure their strict adherence to relevant and appropriate regulations, standards and guidelines, including those provided by the National Building Code.

“Dapat nating tiyakin na tayo’y handa sa pagtama ng malakas na lindol at siguruhing ang kaligtasan ng lahat,” the senator said.

Also, locations of houses and buildings must be checked for safety based on the Valley Fault System (VFS) Atlas recently published by PHIVOLCS.

“Kailangang matuto tayo sa nangyari sa Nepal, sa Cebu at Bohol. Huwag na nating hintayin pang maraming buhay ang mawala at mga ari-arian ang masira,” Sen. Bam added.

Bam: Help DepEd Prepare for K-to-12 Challenges

Senator Bam Aquino urges different stakeholders to help the Department of Education (DepEd) prepare for the challenges ahead regarding the K-to-12 Program, instead of tearing down this crucial educational reform initiative.

“The challenges ahead are real but we still have time. Change is difficult. Reforms are difficult but they need to be done,” said Aquino during the Senate Committee on Education hearing on the implementation of the K-to-12 program.

“From where we are now and where we need to be next year, needs a lot of cooperation from many different sectors,” the senator stressed.

Sen. Bam suggested the creation of K to 12 Local Readiness Councils composed of teachers, parents and businesses to help address any gaps left for the K-to-12 Program.

“The DepEd can convert existing Brigada Eskwela structures in localities to be their main partners on the ground to support the K to 12 implementation,” suggested Sen. Bam, chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth.

During the hearing, Sen. Bam emphasized that concerned government agencies must be prepared for challenges ahead as they implement the program that is expected to modernize the country’s educational system.

“Now is the time to work together for our youth, not tear down reforms that we need to be globally competitive,” added Sen. Bam.

DepEd officials, led by Secretary Armin Luistro, expressed confidence that the department can fill up around 30,000 vacant teaching positions needed to effectively implement the program.

“We need to ensure that we can get teachers who are competent and have the right discipline to match the needs the schools have,” Sen. Bam said.

During its presentation, the DepEd said it is currently training 70,000-plus teachers for elementary and 80,000-plus teachers for high school as of 2015 to prepare them for the program.

“We’ve been doing the reforms for five years now.  Ngayon pa ba tayo bibitiw? Kailangan lahat ay kasama rito – ang pamahalaan, ang private schools, ang mga teachers’ groups, mga estudyante, pati business sector – dapat magkaisa sa pagpapatupad ng repormang ito,” the senator said.

 The DepEd also plans to conduct a massive information campaign, including the establishment of help desks in schools, to enlighten the public about the program.

“The Philippine education reform is not only the DepEd’s responsibility, it’s everyone’s responsibility,” added the senator.

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