Other Issues

Heavier Penalties for Hate Crimes vs LGBT – Sen. Bam

A senator is pushing for heavier penalties for hate crimes against the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community after the brutal killing of a Filipino transgender in Olongapo City recently.

“Hate crimes against the LGBT sector and other minority groups have no place in a civilized society. We should impose heavier penalties so that these discriminatory and inhumane acts will be eradicated,” said Senator Bam Aquino.

Aquino believes the killing of transgender Jeffrey Laude in Olongapo City is not an isolated case because the number of hate crimes against LGBT in the country have risen in the past years.

Aquino cited a data from the Philippine LGBT Hate Crime Watch, indicating that there were 164 cases of murdered LGBTs in the country from 1996 to June 2012.

In the first half of 2011 alone, a study funded by the UN Development Program and the US Agency for International Development showed that 28 killings involving the LGBT community.

“This number will continue to rise unless we do something about it immediately,” stressed Aquino, author of Senate Bill No. 2122 or the Anti-Discrimination Act of 2014, which seeks to combat discrimination of any form.

Aquino’s bill seeks to prohibit and penalize discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, race, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, civil status, HIV status and other medical condition, among others.

In the United States, the first hate crime laws were passed after the American Civil War, beginning with the Civil Rights Act of 1871, to combat the growing number of racially motivated crimes.

In 1978, California passed the first state hate-crime statute in connection with four ‘protected status’ categories: race, religion, color, and national origin.

In 2009, President Barack Obama signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which expands the existing United States federal hate crime law to gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.

Other countries also enacted hate-crime laws, including Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Spain and the United Kingdom.

Increase Penalties for Corrupt Emission Centers! – Sen. Bam

Senator Bam Aquino stressed the need to stiffen penalties for corrupt private emission testing centers (PETC) to help combat the worsening air pollution in the country.

During the hearing of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship which he chairs, Aquino discovered that a number of PETCS were sending fake emission results to the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

“Using current photo-editing technology such as Photoshop, these corrupt PETCs edit the plate number to make it appear that a vehicle underwent emission testing,” Aquino said.

In the same hearing, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) revealed that if all cars will abide by Clean Air Act standards, air quality in Metro Manila would be in normal range.

“How can we improve the quality of air in the country if these corrupt PETCs continue to exist,” Aquino said, referring to a data that automobiles contribute 80 percent to air pollution in Metro Manila.

Aquino also expressed alarm after it was brought to his attention that erring PETCs only receive a penalty of P30,000 and a 30-day suspension.

“We need to revisit the penalties being imposed by the LTO on PETCs for not doing their job mandated by law,” said Aquino.

Aside from penalties, Aquino also urged the LTO to file falsification of public document charges against owners of erring PETCs for sending fake testing results.

Earlier, Aquino has filed a Senate Resolution 734 to investigate reports that some PETCs engage in illegal activities such as non-appearance scheme or ghost testing of motor vehicles in exchange for additional fees.

The emission compliance certificate is one of the basic requirements of the LTO before a vehicle is processed for renewal registration.

In his resolution, Aquino said illegal activities by some testing centers defeat the purpose of Republic Act 9749 or the Philippine Clean Air Act, which was passed in 1999 to maintain the quality of air and protect human life from the dangers of air pollution.

Under the Clean Air Act, a National Motor Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program has been established to promote the efficient and safe operation of motor vehicles and ensure the reduction of emissions from motor vehicles.

“It is important to have cars checked properly because the leading cause of diseases in the country has to do with the respiratory system,” he said.

Game Development Industry could follow BPO’s success – Sen. Bam

If provided the needed support and exposure, Senator Bam Aquino believes the local game development industry could duplicate, if not surpass, the success of the country’s business process outsourcing (BPO) industry in terms of job generation.

“The local game development industry is where the BPO industry was maybe 10 to 15 years ago,” Aquino said during the Philippine Game Festival (PGF) at SMX in Pasay City.

“There is a big potential to create high-quality, high-paying jobs for creative and innovative Filipinos.”

Aquino stressed that Filipinos gamers are equipped with the needed technical proficiency and artistry that put them at par with their foreign counterparts.

 “We can actually compete and with a little more support, this can be an industry that can make a big dent in our economy,” the lawmaker said.

The senator is currently working with the Board of Investments (BOI) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to help promote the game development industry abroad and attract possible investors.

“We have to make the world know that the Philippines has game developers who are skilled, talented, and have the right mix of art and technology,” Aquino said.

“We are hoping that in the next few years we can see more of these investors here in the Philippines come in,” he added.

Currently, the Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP) said there are around 60 studios in the Philippines with a total of approximately 3,500 employees.

The GDAP has a target of 15,000 game professionals nationwide by 2016.

Statement of Sen. Bam Aquino on the Impending Eruption of the Mayon Volcano

The local government of Albay and the national government must work closely to ensure the welfare and safety of our countrymen residing around the Mayon Volcano.

 Also, we call on residents living near the danger zone to follow the government’s evacuation order because your lives are at stake as the volcano may erupt anytime.

We commend the present efforts of the provincial government of Albay with the leadership of Governor Joey Salceda in the preparations and we are supportive of the initiatives to have zero casualties in this looming disaster.

Disaster response interventions should be properly placed – evacuation measures, psychosocial assistance, and even livelihood opportunities should be available for our countrymen, especially to the farming communities and indigenous people living on the slopes of the volcano.

Sen. Bam Lauds Brave Netizen Behind ‘Hulidap’ Photo, Urges Others to be Vigilant

Senator Bam Aquino lauded the bravery and vigilance of a netizen who took and posted a photo of several police officers in the act of robbing and abducting two employees of a businessman in broad daylight along EDSA.

“If not for the bravery and vigilance of this unidentified netizen, the police officers involved could have gotten away scot-free,” said Aquino even as he urged other netizens to be more actively involved in the government’s campaign against illegal activities.

“We have to harness the vast power of the Internet by using it in meaningful activities like helping the government in its quest to lessen, if not completely eradicate, crimes in our society,” the senator said.

Aquino said the recent arrest of several police officers involved in kidnapping and extortion activities with the help of social media proves that Internet has a key role in preventing and solving crimes.

 “With the advanced technology that we have such as Internet-capable smartphones and cameras, we can play a big part in keeping our streets safe,” the senator stressed.

Aquino added the arrest of the rogue police officers might serve as warning to other criminals that they cannot get away with their illegal activities with the help of concerned netizens.

“That’s why I enjoin all netizens to be more vigilant as crime may happen anytime and anywhere,” he added.

Police have so far tagged 12 suspects in the controversial heist. Two policemen, PO2 Jonathan Rodriguez and Chief Inspector Joseph De Vera, were already arrested while Senior Inspector Alan Emlano surrendered.

 Aside from crime prevention, Aquino said social media sites could also be used in other activities such as fund-raising for sick people and raising funds for worthwhile projects.

“The Internet has a lot of unlimited potential that, if tapped for a worthy cause, can make a difference in our society,” Aquino said.

 Last month, the Office of Senator Bam Aquino and the Civil Service Commission (CSC) launched a hotline — dubbed as WASAK or Walang Asenso sa Kotong — that will cater to business-related complaints.

Micro, small and medium (MSMEs) businessmen in the country can air grievances and other issues against erring government officials through hotline numbers 16565 and 0908-8816565. 

National Sports Training Center to Boost Olympic Gold Dream – Sen. Bam

After a strong showing of the Gilas Pilipinas, Azkals and the Philippine Dragonboat teams in international tournaments, a senator is pushing for the establishment of a National Sports Training Center (NSTC) that will further provide right, focused and scientific training to amateur athletes as they strive to become the next big names in the sports world.

In his Senate Bill No. 2367, Senator Bam Aquino said the NSTC would not only serve as the official venue of training for athletes, but it would also be the center for sports science research and development.

“The development of grassroots sports in the country has long been overdue.  Despite the Filipinos’ love for sports and athletics, support to achieve sustained excellence in sports from the private and public sector has been lacking,” Aquino said.

Aquino stressed that the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), despite its limited resources, has been trying to support national athletes with a proper support system, international exposure, monthly training stipends and adequate training equipment.

However, Aquino said one major gap is a state-of-the-art facility where budding athletes can be turned into national champions and world icons.

“Through this center, we hope to produce another Lydia de Vega, Elma Muros-Posadas and Felix Barrientos, who made the country proud in the international stage,” said Aquino.

“Also, our basketball team Gilas Pilipinas, football team Azkals and the dragon boat squad will have a permanent center for training and conditioning in preparation for international events.”

The training center shall have the following sports facilities and amenities for the following non-water based sports such as archery, athletics, badminton, baseball, basketball, beach volleyball, bowling, contacts sports  (Taekwondo, Karate, Judo, Wrestling), cycling (Velodrome), dance sport, football, gymnastics, handball, lawn tennis, sepak takraw, shooting, softball, squash, table tennis, volleyball, wall climbing and weightlifting.

The center will also have other amenities, including an archery multipurpose gymnasium, administration building, athletes’ dormitory, sports science building, mess hall, recreation hall, library, weight training building, school building and conference/ seminar hall.

Teachers in Perpetual Cycle of Debt! – Sen. Bam

Despite being hailed as modern-day heroes for inspiring and shaping the youth to become productive citizens of the country, teachers still experience financial woes because of their meager salaries and small take-home-pay.

“With the increasing cost of living, teachers tighten their belts to get by on their modest salaries. They turn to loan agents and loan sharks, government and private, to make ends meet,” said Senator Bam Aquino.

“Worse, come pay day, they have little income to take home because they have automatic deductions from loans and other payments, leaving them little for their daily sustenance,” the senator added, “which forces them to borrow again and having them buried neck-deep in debt.”

Aquino said many teachers find creative means to augment their meager take-home pay by selling meat, beauty and health products.

“How can these critical players in nation building impact the next generation if they are bombarded with financial woes,” Aquino emphasized.

To address this problem, Aquino has filed a bill that will set a minimum net take-home pay for teachers and other government employees.

“This bill seeks to ensure that teachers and other government employees are able to meet their families’ basic needs and reduce their need to take on debts,” Aquino said of his Senate Bill No. 2333.

 Under the bill, teachers and other government workers will be assured of a take-home pay of at least 30 percent of their monthly salary.

“Setting a minimum take-home amount allows an appropriate control for teachers to be able to properly budget for their households expenses,” he said.

Aquino said the measure contributes in the efforts of leaving no one behind, especially the country’s public servants, in the progress and development of the country.

Under the measure, authorized deductions are prioritized in the event that total authorized deductions will reduce the government employee’s mandatory minimum monthly take-home pay.

Any deficiency in loan payments of government employees as a result of the mandatory minimum take-home pay may be addressed through direct payment arrangements to be voluntarily made by the employee to the lending institutions.

Filipino UN Peacekeepers New Action Heroes – Sen. Bam

When you need peace in your neighborhood, who you gonna call?

A senator dubbed the Filipino peacekeepers as the new action heroes of the world for their bravery and resolve during a standoff with Syrian rebels in Golan Heights.

“Our soldiers’ brave front only proves that Filipinos will not back down from any challenge that we face,” said Senator Bam Aquino

Aquino has filed Senate Resolution No. 877 to commend and to recognize the Filipino peacekeepers’ resolve in carrying out their mission.

“Their bravery and courage reflect the professionalism and competence of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” Aquino said.

The Filipino peacekeepers form an integral part of the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) Mission that monitors a ceasefire agreement between Syria and Israel.

Aside from the Philippines, other countries contributing troops to the UNDOF Mission include Fiji, Ireland, Nepal and the Netherlands.

The tension escalated after Syrian rebels entered the UN-patrolled buffer zone between Syria and Israel last August 28, capturing 44 Fijian peacekeepers and demanding the surrender of Filipino peacekeepers.

Surrounded by the Syrian rebels, the Filipino peacekeeper refused to surrender their arms and continued to defend their position, leading to a four-day standoff.

The first group of 35 Filipino peacekeepers stationed at Position 69 was rescued by Irish and Filipino forces.

The second group of 40 Filipino peacekeepers held their ground at Position 68 and kept about 100 Syrian rebels at bay.

After seven hours under heavy fire, the Filipino peacekeepers successfully planned and implemented their escape on August 30 under the cover of darkness.

They walked for nearly two hours to meet up with other UN forces who escorted them to safety. They are now safely repositioned to Camp Ziuoani behind UN lines.

Despite the incident, the Filipino peacekeepers will stay until October 2014, in fulfillment of the country’s commitment to international security.

“We continue to support the speedy resolution of the Syrian conflict to stop the violence that has left thousands of families devastated by war,” Aquino said.

MRT 40-Minute Waiting Time Unacceptable – Sen. Bam

Senator Bam Aquino urged concerned government and private entities to work together to reduce the waiting time for thousands of commuters to ride the MRT-3 from 40 minutes to 10 minutes.

Aquino made this call after he was informed that the waiting time for passengers before they could alight the trains will go down by 75 percent if the proposed rehabilitation plan worth P6.8 billion for the MRT-3 is fully implemented.

“Let’s work together to achieve this 10-minute waiting time. We owe it to the thousands of commuting Filipinos to make life easier for them everyday,” Aquino said after the hearing of the Senate committee on public services on the MRT-3 accident that injured more than 30 people last Aug. 13.

Aquino expressed disappointment when he was informed that the rehabilitation plan could take up to two years with all the legal wrangling between the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and Metro Rail Transit Corporation (MRTC), a private entity.

Aquino branded the Metro Rail Transit-3 as a failed public-private partnership (PPP).

“This is not a good example of PPP, with what happened to our MRT,” Aquino stressed.

Aquino advised DOTC officials to learn from the MRT-3 experience to avoid problems in the future.

 “Can we say that we have learned from experience already and this would not happen again?” Sen. Bam asked DOTC officials, to which they replied ‘yes.’

At the same, the senator also urged the transportation officials to earmark the needed funds to rehabilitate a critical component that causes the MRT-3’s frequent malfunction at the soonest possible time.

The DOTC revealed the trains’ traction motors are the main cause of MRT breakdown as they have reached its limit of usage of 1.5 million kilometers.

 However, Aquino noticed in the presentation that the P94,500,000 fund needed for replacement of traction motors is earmarked in the 2016 budget.

“If this is the main reason why our trains have stopped, how come it wasn’t in the budget last year?” Aquino asked.

Abaya said he has already requested the Department of Budget and Management to include the needed funds in the supplemental budget for 2014.

“If it’s not successful, it will be included in the 2015 budget,” Abaya guaranteed. 

Require One Nurse in Every Public School – Sen. Bam

Senator Bam Aquino is pushing for the appointment of a registered nurse in every public school in the country to ensure that health and nutritional needs of Filipino students are protected.

 “Quality education, that every Filipino child deserves, is holistic in nature.  It is concerned with the whole self – physical, mental and spiritual,” Aquino said in his Senate Bill No. 2366.

“This measure proposes that students’ access to basic health care services in schools be assured by requiring every public school to employ at least one registered nurse to look after the health and nutritional needs of its students,” he added.

With a fifth of the Filipino population living below the poverty line, Aquino said health-related issues among school children arise, hampering their ability to learn and retain lessons and skills. 

“Some students might even be forced to skip school days due to sickness, further impeding their ability to learn,” Aquino said.

 The senator said having a nurse in every school emphasizes the value of health, nutrition and well being as part of the formation of our Filipino children.

Also, Aquino added the bill would help reduce the number of unemployed nurses in the country, which is currently estimated at 400,000.

The bill mandates the Department of Education and the Department of Health to employ at least one registered nurse in every public school.

The nurse will be responsible for improving the delivery of public health care services and providing relevant and timely education on wellness, hygiene, sanitation and other health safety measures to public school students.

Nurses employed will receive a monthly stipend equal to salary grade 15, consistent with the mandatory minimum entry-level pay for government nurses under Republic Act No. 9173, otherwise known as the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002.

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