In commemoration of Labor Day, Senator Bam Aquino called on the government to prioritize the welfare of Filipino workers and protect their livelihood through sound policies and actions.

 “Dapat isipin ng pamahalaan sa bawat desisyon at reporma ang kapakanan ng mga Pilipinong nagtatrabaho tulad ng mga magsasaka, mangingisda at OFWs. Subalit sila ngayon ang binibigo ng administrasyon,” said Sen. Bam, one of four who voted against the ratification of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act.

Sen. Bam insisted that the recent tax reform packages proposed by the government only burden the working class with increasing prices of goods and potential loss of livelihood.

 The administration’s push to enact the second tax reform package, which will remove incentives for companies, could lead to loss of jobs for many Filipinos.

“Nagdurusa na nga ang marami nating mga kababayan sa mataas na presyo ng bilihin sa unang bugso ng tax reform ng gobyerno, ngayon naman aalisan natin sila ng ikabubuhay,” said Sen. Bam, referring to the TRAIN Act.

Sen. Bam has filed Senate Resolution No. 704, calling for a review of the TRAIN Law, claiming it greatly contributes to the increase in prices of goods and services that burdens Filipinos, especially ordinary workers.

Sen. Bam also submitted Senate Resolution No. 597, urging the appropriate Senate committee to scrutinize the implementation of the unconditional cash transfer to ensure that it is sufficient to cover the increase in prices of goods and other services.

 In addition, Sen. Bam pointed out that the government’s decision to remove restriction on rice importation could be detrimental to the work of Filipino farmers, who rely heavily on their harvest for their livelihood.

“Posibleng makasama pa sa ating mga magsasaka ang ura-uradang desisyon ng deregulasyon ng rice imports. Hindi quota ang problema natin kundi ang kakayahan nga NFA na gawin ang kanilang trabaho,” said Sen. Bam.

 In the 17th Congress, Sen. Bam has filed several measures that focus on the welfare of Filipino workers, includingg overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), freelancers and reservists.