Bam Aquino

Sen. Bam vows to continue serving Filipino people in a private capacity

Saying he already entrusted his fate in the 2019 elections to God, Sen. Bam Aquino has committed to continue serving the Filipino people in whatever way he can in a private capacity.

“Hindi man tayo pinalad na makakuha ng pangalawang termino, hindi mauubos ang pagmamahal ko sa ating mga kababayan at kagustuhang manilbihan sa kapwa, bagkus sa ibang larangan naman,” Sen. Bam said in a statement.

“Napakalaking karangalan ang manilbihan sa taumbayan kaya’t lubus-lubos ang pasasalamat ko sa mga nakatrabaho at sumuporta sa akin sa loob ng anim na taon at sa mga walang pagod na nangampanya nitong nakaraang mga buwan,” he added.

Days before the elections, Sen. Bam said he already surrendered his fate to God, believing in His plans for him and for the country.

“Bago pa man ang araw ng eleksyon, ipinaubaya ko na sa Diyos ang resulta. At buo pa rin ang tiwala ko sa Kanyang plano para sa akin at higit sa lahat, para sa ating Bayan,” said Sen. Bam.

In his six years as senator, Sen. Bam has 43 laws to his name, including the landmark Free College Law and the Go Negosyo Act.

Sen. Bam thankful for Catholic lay group’s support

Re-electionist Sen. Bam Aquino expressed gratitude to the Sangguniang Layko ng Pilipinas for supporting him and nine other senatorial candidates endorsed by the People’s Choice Movement (PCM).

The Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas, the lay arm of the CBCP, declared its support for the 10 candidates as they will help keep the independence of the Senate, according to its president Julieta Wasan.

“Taos-puso akong nagpapasalamat sa mga kapatid na Katoliko ng Sangguniang Layko ng Pilipinas sa tiwala at suporta,” said Sen. Bam, one of the candidates endorsed by PCM.

“Salamat sa inyong paninindigan sa panahon na kailangan ng giting para sa ating pananampalataya at sambayanan,” he added.

Sen. Bam called on the Catholic faithful to choose candidates who will work for the welfare of the nation.

“Nanawagan ako sa lahat ng mga kapatid sa Katoliko, sama-sama nating ipanalo sa halalan ang tunay na makakabuti sa ating bayan,” said Sen. Bam.

The PCM based its selection on character and honor, competence and abilities, faithfulness to public service, faithfulness to God, the Constitution and the law.

Sen. Bam topped the PCM’s selection process, garnering 120 votes from 130 representatives from various Catholic, evangelical and Protestant groups.

Aside from the the Sangguniang Layko ng Pilipinas, Bishop Broderick Pabillo, chairman of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Commission on the Laity, urged the Catholic faithful to support and campaign for the PCM-backed candidates.

Various religious groups back Sen. Bam’s candidacy

Various religious groups have endorsed the candidacy of re-electionist Sen. Bam Aquino days before the May 13 polls.

The People’s Choice Movement (PCM) selected Sen. Bam as one of the 10 senatorial candidates it will support and campaign for in the May elections.

Composed of various Catholic, evangelical and Protestant groups, the PCM based its selection on character and honor, competence and abilities, faithfulness to public service, faithfulness to God, the Constitution and the law.

“Napakalaking bagay ng pagkilala at tiwala ng mga taong simbahan kaya taos-puso po akong nagpapasalamat,” said Sen. Bam, who topped the selection process with 120 votes from around 130 representatives of different religious groups.

“Bilang Kristiyano, nagbibigay inspirasyon at pag-asa ang pagkapili nila sa amin lalo na dumaan ito sa matinding pagsusuri at pagninilay,” he added.

The Church People for an Independent Senate (CPIS), composed of 150 bishops, priests, and laypersons of the Aglipayan Church or known as Iglesia Filipina Independiente, also declared support for Sen. Bam.

The CPIS endorsed Sen. Bam as one of its 10 senatorial candidates, whom they believe will help protect the Senate’s independence.

”Malaking bagay po sa akin ang suporta ninyo para maisulong natin ang isang Senado na tunay na kakampi ng taumbayan lalo na ng mahihirap,” Sen. Bam said.

In addition, Sen. Bam was the only opposition endorsed by the endorsed by Catholic charismatic group El Shaddai.

Pangasinan, Isabela farmers declare all-out support for Sen. Bam

Farmers from Isabela and Pangasinan have declared their full support behind the candidacy of re-electionist Sen. Bam Aquino, who pushed for the immediate release of financial assistance to farmers affected by rice tariffication law.

In Cauayan City, hundreds of farmers have endorsed the re-election bid of Sen. Bam during a program, where he was joined by Isabela Gov. Bojie Dy and other local officials.

More than 2,000 farmers belonging to the Pangasinan-based Abono Party List, led by its chairman Rosendo So, gathered in Urdaneta City to show their support for Sen. Bam.

“Huwag nating kalimutan, kailangan natin siya sa Senado,” said So as he thanked Sen. Bam for helping push for the passage of Republic Act 10845 or the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act.

As he thanked farmers for their support, Sen. Bam promised to work for the immediate release of the financial assistance given to agricultural workers under the rice tariffication law and to focus on their other concerns.

“Itong pinagdadaanang matinding hirap ng mga kababayan nating magbubukid dahil sa pagbagsak ng presyo ng palay ay hindi lang problema ng sektor agrikultura, ito ay isang pambansang usapin,” said Sen. Bam.

“Kaya dapat ibigay na ngayon ang ayuda sa mga magsasaka dahil ngayon ito pinaka-kailangan,” added Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam called on the government to immediately distribute the direct financial assistance to farmers under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) to help them cope with the effects of the influx of imported rice in the market on their livelihood.

“Hindi na dapat paghintayin pa ang mga magsasaka. Kailangan na nila ang tulong ngayon,” Sen. Bam pointed out.

Earlier, Sen. Bam maintained that the government should focus on ensuring the livelihood of Filipino farmers and their families amid the entry of imported rice in the market.

“Dapat matiyak na walang magutom, mabigyan ng subsidiya, at masigurado ang kapakanan ng kanilang pamilya,” Sen. Bam said.

Aside from direct financial assistance, RCEF will also be used to support mechanization, credit assistance, seed development and for extension services for farmers to help them become more productive and competitive against imported rice.

“Mahalagang tulungan natin sila na maging produktibo para hindi maapektuhan ang kanilang kabuhayan,” Sen. Bam said.

Aglipayan Church leaders back Sen. Bam for an independent Senate

Re-electionist Sen. Bam Aquino expressed gratitude to a group composed of leaders of the Aglipayan Church, for its endorsement, vowing to help uphold an independent Senate if he wins a second term.

“Taos-pusong pasasalamat po sa tiwala ng mga kapatid sa Iglesia Filipina Independiente,” said Sen. Bam, referring to the endorsement of the Church People for an Independent Senate (CPIS).

Earlier, the group, composed of 150 bishops, priests, and laypersons of the Aglipayan Church or known as Iglesia Filipina Independiente, has endorsed 10 senatorial candidates who will help protect the Senate’s independence.


”Malaking bagay po sa akin ang suporta ninyo para maisulong natin ang isang Senado na tunay na kakampi ng taumbayan lalo na ng mahihirap,” said Sen. Bam.

”Kaisa nyo po ako sa adhikain para sa demokrasya at katarungan,” he added.

Earlier, Sen. Bam was selected by the People’s Choice Movement (PCM) as one of the 10 senatorial candidates it will support and campaign for in the May elections.

Composed of various Catholic, evangelical and Protestant groups, the PCM based its selection on character and honor, competence and abilities, faithfulness to public service, faithfulness to God, the Constitution and the law.

Labor organizations declare Sen. Bam as workers’ ally, back his candidacy

Various labor organizations have declared full support behind re-electionist Sen. Bam Aquino, calling him an ally and defender of workers’ welfare in the Senate.

Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa (SENTRO), Anakpawis and Confederation for Unity Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (COURAGE), which represent workers from public and private sectors, all committed to back Sen. Bam’s bid for a second term in the Senate.

According to SENTRO secretary general Josua Mata, Sen. Bam is reliable partner when it comes to welfare of workers and other labor issues in the Senate.

“Noon pa man, tumutulong na si Sen. Bam sa mga isyung may kinalaman sa ating mga manggagawa at sa sektor ng transportasyon,” Mata said during the group’s 7th general assembly where it expressed support for Sen. Bam.

Before filing his Senate Bill No. 174 or the Security of Tenure Bill, Sen. Bam worked closely with SENTRO in crafting the legislation that aims to end the practice of contractualization in the country.

If he wins a second term, Sen. Bam promised to push for the passage of the Security of Tenure Bill and other labor-related measures.

“Dapat sa 18th Congress, maipasa na ang Security of Tenure Bill. Na-file na po natin ang panukalang ito noong June 2016,” said Sen. Bam, a co-author and co-sponsor of the Security of Tenure Bill.

Sen. Bam also committed to work for the passage of his Trabaho Center Bill, which aims to solve the problem of jobs mismatch and high unemployment rate in the country.

Sen. Bam’s measure seeks to establish Trabaho Centers or job placement offices in public high schools and state universities and colleges (SUCs). The Trabaho Center will provide services such as Industry matching, career counseling, and employment facilitation.

According to Sen. Bam, the Trabaho Center Bill is the next best necessary reform after the Free College Law, which he pushed as principal sponsor during his time as chairman of the Committee on Education.

Sen. Bam lone opposition in Magic 12 of Pulse Asia survey, makes it to winners’ circle in 3 other major polls

Re-electionist Sen. Bam Aquino was the lone opposition in the Magic 12 of the latest Pulse Asia survey and made it to the winners’ circle in three other major pre-election polls less than two weeks before the May 13 elections.

In the latest Pulse Asia survey conducted from April 10 to 14, Sen. Bam landed in a share of 10th-14th spots, with 28.8 percent. This was an improvement for Sen. Bam as he finished in a tie for 11th to 16th places in last month’s Pulse Asia survey.

In Publicus Asia’s #PAHAYAGNationwide poll conducted from April 21-22, 2019 with 2,000 registered voters as respondents, Sen. Bam landed in a tie for 5th to 11th spots. Sen. Bam made it to the Magic 12 of other pre-election surveys conducted by Laylo (9th to 11th spots) and TNS (7th to 13th places).

In a statement, Sen. Bam thanked the people, especially the volunteers, for their trust and confidence that serve as his inspiration during the campaign.

“Nagpapasalamat po ako dahil dumarami ang naniniwala, nakikiisa at tumutugon. Salamat po mga mga matatapang at matitiyagang tumutulong sa atin na laging buo ang loob at walang pagod,” said Sen. Bam.

“Itong buong kampanya, idinulog ko po sa ating mga kababayan ang mga tinrabaho natin sa Senado tulad ng pagsasabatas ng Libreng Kolehiyo at ibinahagi ang mga dapat pang gawin para makatulong sa mga nangangailangan,” he added.

If he wins a second term, Sen. Bam has promised to work for the passage of his Trabaho Center Bill, which seeks to establish Trabaho Centers or job placement offices in public high schools and state universities and colleges (SUCs) to help solve the prevalent problem of jobs mismatch and high unemployment rate in the country.

Major party list groups endorse Sen. Bam’s candidacy

Various major party list organizations have endorsed the candidacy of Sen. Bam Aquino, giving his re-election bid a huge lift with the May elections approaching.

Bayan Muna, Akbayan, Ako Bicol, Alliance of Concerned Teachers, Anakpawis, Gabriela, Kabataan, Katribu, Migrante, Akap-Bata, Confederation for Unity Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (COURAGE) and Piston all expressed their support for Sen. Bam for his solid track record in helping the basic sectors of society

Other party list groups, such as Kalikasan Aking Bikolnon, APPEND, TUCP, ABONO, Magdalo and Barangay Health Workers (BHW) Party List has committed to back Sen. Bam’s re-election bid.

 “Nagpapasalamat tayo sa pagbuhos ng suporta mula sa iba’t ibang grupo bilang pagkilala sa ating mga nagawa sa ating unang termino sa Senado,” said Sen. Bam.

“Napakahalaga ng kanilang tulong upang mabigyan tayo ng pagkakataong makabalik para sa ikalawang termino kung saan tututukan natin ang paglikha ng trabaho,” he added.

If he wins a second term, Sen. Bam has committed to work for the passage of his Trabaho Center Bill, which will help solve the problem of jobs mismatch and high unemployment rate in the country.

The measure seeks to establish Trabaho Centers or job placement offices in public high schools and state universities and colleges (SUCs). The Trabaho Center will provide services such as Industry matching, career counseling, and employment facilitation.

“Sa tulong ng Trabaho Centers, pagtatagpuin ang mga kompanya na naghahanap ng trabaho at mga estudyanteng naghahanap ng trabaho,” said Sen. Bam, adding that it is the next best necessary reform after the Free College Law, which he passed as principal sponsor during his time as chairman of the Committee on Education.

MFI NGOs back Sen. Bam’s candidacy for his work in strengthening sector

An overwhelming number of microfinance non-government organizations (MFI NGOs) want re-electionist Sen. Bam Aquino back in the Senate for his solid track record in helping the sector develop and expand their capacity to extend assistance to more Filipinos.

SEDP-Simbag sa Pag-asenso, Inc., led by its president and CEO Fr. Jovic Lobrigo, was among the first to express support behind Sen. Bam, saying he was instrumental in passing Republic Act 10693 or the Microfinance NGOs Act benefiting millions of women and their families.

“Praying that he can continue his work in the Senate,” the group said in a statement posted on Facebook. 

Eduardo Jimenez, president of Kabalikat para sa Maunlad na Buhay, Inc. (KMBI), promised to definitely vote and campaign for Sen. Bam, who, he said, collaborated and supported microfinance players even before becoming a senator.

Jimenez added that Sen. Bam’s RA 10693 supported and strengthened the work of MFI NGOs that ultimately helped micro-entrepreneurs in the country.

Mercy Abad, president of Ahon sa Hirap, Inc (ASHI), said Sen. Bam has done a lot for the “common tao”, adding that the Microfinance NGOs Act has “helped our sector serve thousands of families.” 

“We in the microfinance industry cannot thank him enough for what he has done to assist us in our work,” said Abad, believing that the country needs leaders like Sen. Bam in the Senate.

“Intelligent, with integrity (naku sigurado kayong hindi kurakot), fearless, and hard working for our country, especially for the poor. Please include him in your vote,” added Abad.

Gomby Maramba, manager for Research and Development of the Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation, also expressed gratitude to Sen. Bam for pushing for the passage of RA No. 10693 as principal sponsor and co-author. 

“The impact of this bill is huge for the over seven million microfinance clients and their families in the Philippines,” said Maramba.

“It allowed us to continue with our non-financial services and at the same time, all microfinance NGOs are now regulated to better serve its clients,” he added.

The law sets performance standards and provides preferential tax treatment for MFI NGOs to enable them to continue to operate and serve poor Filipino communities through financing, financial literacy, livelihood, and entrepreneurship training.

Aside from the MFI NGOs Act, Sen. Bam pushed for the passage of other laws for the development of micro, small and medium enterprises, such as the Go Negosyo Act, Youth Entrepreneurship Act, Credit Surety Act and the Personal Property Security Act.

Sen. Bam welcomes CHED’s move to go after SUCs collecting miscellaneous fees

Re-electionist Sen. Bam Aquino welcomed the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) promise to go after state universities and colleges (SUCs) that still collect miscellaneous fees.

“Sa ating pag-iikot, nakakarinig tayo na maraming SUCs ang nangongolekta pa rin ng miscellaneous fees kahit mayroon nang batas na nagbabawal dito,” said Sen. Bam, principal sponsor of Republic Act 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.

“Natutuwa tayo sa pagkilos ng CHED na habulin ang mga SUC na lumalabag sa batas na dapat sana’y napakikinabangan na nang buo ng ating mga estudyante,” added Sen. Bam.

Earlier, CHED chairperson Prospero de Vera promised to crack down on universities on going beyond than what they are allowed under the Free College Law.

Based on the Free College Law, SUC students are free from tuition and other miscellaneous fees, such as library, computer, laboratory, school ID, athletic, admission, development, handbook, guidance, entrance, registration, medical, dental and cultural fees.

“Dapat matupad ang intensiyon ng batas na hindi na dapat naglalabas ng kahit isang sentimo ang mga magulang at estudyante para sa tuition at miscellaneous,” Sen. Bam stressed.

If he wins a second term, Sen. Bam has also committed to work for affordable internship for college students, especially those taking up hotel and restaurant management (HRM) and nursing.

“Iyong mga on-the-job fee, lalo na sa kursong HRM at nursing, napakataas talaga. Binabayaran kasi ito hindi sa school ngunit sa third party. Isasama namin ito sa mga gagawin natin sa Senado,” said Sen. Bam during his recent visit to Ozamis City.

According to Sen. Bam, he already had initial talks with CHED about the issue of affordable internship during the agency’s budget deliberation in the Senate.

“Ang gusto ko sana, although hindi pa ito implemented, may internships na libre. Choice na ng estudyante kung gusto nila yung internships na mas mahal sa ibang bansa,” Sen. Bam explained.

Sen. Bam promised to craft a measure that will lower cost of internship in private and public colleges and universities.

“Libre na ang tuition at may scholarships pa, pero kung mahal naman ang internship, hindi natutupad ang pangako ng abot-kayang pagtatapos,” Sen. Bam pointed out.

Scroll to top