Bam Aquino

Senate Bill No. 660: Bases Conversion and Development Act

With the country experiencing sustained economic growth, we are flooded with opportunities for development in different industries and across a number of geographical areas in the country.

Subic Bay in Central Luzon is one such region with immense potential for foreign investment and overall economic development. This economic development in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) translates to job opportunities and business opportunities for our countrymen.

With this in mind, the Republic Act No. 7227, otherwise known as the Bases Conversion and Development Act o f 1992, was passed to assign Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) the responsibility to build a prosperous and self- sustaining Freeport in Subic Bay.

SBMA is tasked to promote both economic and social development in Subic Bay, creating a model for economic success and inclusive growth in the region and in the Philippines.

We are now in a position to clarify provisions of the decade-old legislation and apply revisions based on what we have learned in the past years, improving the policy and making SBMA a more effective and impactful governing body.

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Reform Bill seeks to update the powers and responsibilities of SBMA in the hope that SBFZ can reach its full potential – attracting more foreign direct investments, supporting growth of local business, providing jobs, livelihood, and a wealth of opportunities for more Filipinos in Central Luzon and in the country as well.

Grow, Subic, grow!

In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 

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Senate Bill No. 659: Local Development Council

It is the basic policy of our State to give primordial importance to the autonomy of the local government. Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the “Local Government Code” aims to provide a more accountable local government structure and institute a system of decentralization.

Section 106 of the Local Government Code mandates each local government to have a Local Development Council (LDC) at the provincial, city, and municipal or barangay level. The LDC is expected to set the direction of economic and social development within its territorial jurisdiction. At the provincial, city and municipal level, the functions of the LDC are to: 1) Formulate long-term, medium-term and annual socio-economic plans and policies; 2) Formulate the medium-term and annual public investment programs; 3) Appraise and prioritize socio-economic development programs and projects, among others. At the barangay level, the LDC is expected to mobilize people’s participation in local development efforts and to monitor and evaluate the implementation of national or local programs and projects.

Our laws recognize the significance of multi-sectoral representation and participation of the LDC. This is made clear in the implementing rules and regulations of the Local Government Code that mandates that the composition of the LDCs shall include representatives from duly accredited people’s organizations (POs), non­ governmental organizations (NGOs) and the private sector operating therein. Further, NGO representation shall not be less than %of the total membership of the fully organized council. However, despite the express provisions of our laws and implementing rules, many local government units still do not adhere to them. There are also NEDA reports showing that many local special bodies do not meet regularly thus minimizing the participation of NGOs and POs in local governance.

In any democratic nation, every individual must share in the sovereign power and must be able to participate equally in the government of the local body. Each sector of a nation must give their voice in the decisions that will affect them all. The local NGOs and POs must be given a place in the local councils for rightful representation. The local government’s goal should support the creation of a better life for its people, echoing the voice of the people and help to build resilient and prosperous communities, now and over the long term.

For this purpose, this bill seeks to bolster the noble goals of RA 7160 in ensuring that the NGOs and POs are made active partners in the pursuit of socio-economic welfare in the local autonomy. The bill mandates LDCs to convene at least four times in a year: March, June, September, and December. The leagues of LGUs are further mandated to monitor such meetings through the Oversight Committee on Local Government. Finally, the bill seeks to provide punitive actions to local executives who fail to execute such laws.

In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.


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Senate Bill No. 674: Expanded Senior Citizens Act

Our Filipino senior citizens have contributed immensely to the growth and progress of the country. As they reach the twilight of their lives, it is our responsibility as a society to ensure their rights and privileges, and that proper accommodation is given to them.

To further embolden RA 7432, the Senior Citizens Act of 2015 seeks to institutionalize the National Commission foe Senior Citizens (NCSC), which shall have the best interests of our country’s seniors at heart.

As a national agency, the NCSC will formulate and implement policies, plans, and programs that promote senior rights and privileges or address issues plaguing the sector.

With sectors such as the youth, women, and persons with disabilities having a specialized body catering to their constituents, it is about time that our Filipino seniors are awarded their own commission as well to ensure that no Filipino gets left behind.

In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

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Bam lauds teachers’ contribution to nation building

As the country celebrates National Teachers’ Month, Sen. Bam Aquino lauded Filipino educators for their contribution to nation-building by imparting invaluable knowledge to future generation.

 “Teaching is a vocation and to educate is a mission. Tungkulin po ng bawat guro ang pagandahin ang kinabukasan ng bawat batang Pilipino,” said Sen. Bam, chairman of the Committee on Education, Culture and Arts.

“Layunin po nilang palitawin ang husay at talino ng kabataan upang paramihin ang dakilang Pilipinong mag-aambag sa kasaganaan ng ating minamahal na bansa,” added Sen. Bam in his co-sponsorship speech of Senate Resolution No. 116, honoring and commending the Ten (10) Outstanding Teachers of 2016 awarded by the Metrobank Foundation, Inc.

 According to Sen. Bam, the teachers’ willingness to step up and strive for excellence is crucial to the reforms being pushed in the Committee on Education, under his stewardship.

 Sen. Bam has filed several measures that will support public school teachers through other means, including Senate Bill No. 173 or the Free Education for Children of Public School Teachers Act.

 If passed into law, free education in state universities nationwide will be given to children of public school teachers in all levels, whether they want to pursue baccalaureate degrees or short-term training courses.

 The subsidy program will cover 100 percent of the tuition fee and other miscellaneous expenses necessary upon the enrollment of the student in a state college or university.

Senate Bill No. 670: Sale of Electricity by Generation and Distribution of Companies and Electric Cooperatives

The cost of electricity rose once again in February this year, owing to higher power supply agreements as Filipinos braced themselves for the summer months when electric bills normally skyrocket. The Philippines has one of the most expensive electricity costs in Southeast Asia, having the third highest tariffs for residential electricity whereas our neighbors’ electrical distribution is heavily subsidized by their governments.

High power rates are debilitating to the average household or business that already struggle to cover the costs of many other necessities such as water, gas, and of increasing necessity nowadays, internet.

This bill seeks to amend the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended, by removing Value Added Tax from the sale of electricity, at all stages: generation, transmission, and distribution, by all electric companies and cooperatives.

A tax relief on electricity will result in a significant gain in disposable income for Filipino families, as well as for businesses who benefit from lower operating costs and more profit left for expansion and investment. VAT-exempt electricity will surely light up many more Filipino’s lives.

In view of the foregoing, the passing of this bill is earnestly sought.  


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Senate Bill No. 667: Anti-Harassment of Tourists Act

The Philippine islands are emerging to be among the most sought after – and most fun – travel destinations in the world. Our very own island paradise of Palawan has been voted as the most beautiful island in the world by Conde Nast Traveler readers two years in a row. And even local tourism has started to pick up with Filipinos’ desire to see more of the country from Batanes to Siargao.

From January to April of this year, we have already welcomed over 2 million visitors to our shores, and it is a challenge to us Filipinos to ensure that they truly have more fun in the Philippines.

We Filipinos take pride in our hospitality and ability to make guests feel like they’re exactly where they should be with our warm smiles, delicious food, and caring nature. But with many of our countrymen living in dire straits, many attempt to take advantage of unknowing tourists out of desperation.

This bill seeks to ensure the safety of our guests by discouraging aggressive solicitation from tourists and imposing fines for repeat offenders. Through this measure, tourism help desks will be established in identified tourist havens and regular patrols should be conducted to safeguard the proper implementation of the law.

To foster a tourist-friendly culture among Philippine communities residing in tourist havens, the Department of Tourism, in coordination with the barangay officials, shall promote responsible marketing and conduct regular seminars for the local vendors and residents.

Let us assure visitors of our beautiful islands of a pleasant Philippine adventure.

In view of the foregoing, the passing of this bill is earnestly sought. 


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Senate Bill No. 666: Declaring August 9 as National Indigenous Peoples Day

Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines are an integral part of our nation. Their rich cultural heritage and tradition is something that we continue to protect and promote through the efforts of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples.

Unfortunately, the long history of Indigenous Peoples’ contribution to the democracy we now enjoy is little known to the general public. Indigenous Peoples are often only recognized through media coverage that highlights the challenges they are now facing as a minority sector in our country. From the Igorots of the Cordillera to the Lumads in Mindanao, Indigenous groups have long been on the battleground to defend our land and protect our independence.

This bill seeks to amend Republic Act No. 10689 by declaring August 9th of every year as a special non-working holiday, known as National Indigenous Peoples Day, to honor Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines. A special non-working holiday dedicated to Indigenous Peoples will serve to elevate the importance that is given to them and will serve as a yearly opportunity to celebrate their past and continued participation in society.

We must recognize Indigenous Peoples’ valuable role and importance, and uphold their dignity to continue our journey toward building an inclusive society. Let’s take a day each year to celebrate the rich history and culture of our Indigenous Peoples!

In view of the foregoing, the passing of this bill is earnestly sought.

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Senate Bill No. 683: Anti-Discrimination Act

The Bill of Rights in the 1987 Constitution guarantees equal protection for every Filipino, and prohibits discrimination of persons based on ethnicity, race, religion or belief, political inclinations, social class, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, civil status, medical condition, or any other status in the enjoyment of rights. The fundamental law also declares that the State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights (Section 11, Article II, 1987 Constitution). It also imposes on the State the duty to ensure the fundamental equality before the law of women and men (Sec. 14, Id.).

In addition, the Philippines is a signatory to numerous international agreements that seek to ensure respect for the human rights of all persons regardless of ethnicity, race, religion or belief, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, civil status, medical condition, or any other status. These international human rights instruments have consistently been interpreted by international institutions, such as the United Nations Human Rights Committee and the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

Unfortunately, reality has yet to catch up with the noble intentions of these numerous laws and international agreements. In schools, workplaces, commercial establishments, public service, police and the military, prejudicial practices and policies based on sexual orientation and gender and cultural identity limit the exercise and enjoyment of basic human rights and fundamental freedoms.

We still see, for instance, employment practices that prioritize single over married job applicants; or other cultural practices that suppress an individual’s right to practice his or her religion, faith, or cultural belief. Many Filipinos in indigenous communities have yet to be fully integrated into the workforce; ignorance about their cultural practices often leads to stigma and marginalization.

Moreover, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transsexual (LGBT) community continues to be oppressed by the iniquitous treatment of society at large, primarily because of misconceptions and ignorance. LGBT students, for instance, are refused admission or expelled from schools due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Companies block the promotion of LGBT employees due to the deeply embedded notion that homosexuality is an indication of weakness. Laws such as the anti-vagrancy law are also abused by law enforcement agencies to harass gay men.

In a democratic society that claims to give equal access and opportunity to each of its citizens, many Filipinos are still treated as “second-class citizens” when they try to exercise the rights to which they are rightfully entitled.  

There is, therefore, an urgent need to define and penalize practices that unjustly discriminate on the basis of ethnicity, race, religion or belief, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, civil status, medical condition, or any other status. In view of the foregoing, and of the need to correct the long-standing discrimination against marginalized communities in Philippine society, the early passage of this bill is earnestly urged.


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Senate Bill No. 682: Comprehensive and Continuing Urban Development and Housing Program

One of the key issues hounding the urban poor is that of housing and relocation. According to the Philippine Development Plan for 2010 to 2016, the country’s total housing need, including “backlog” and “housing for new households,” is estimated to reach around 5.9 million units by 2016. Informal settlements have increased by more than 22% (or 1.2 million) between 2003 and 2009. Meanwhile, other data show that the Philippines’ annual expenditure for housing accounts for less than 0.1 of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP)—the lowest figure in Asia.

Clearly, much more needs to be done for the country’s urban poor. To provide security of shelter is an urgent first step.

No less than the Philippine Constitution provides for the protection of the marginalized, the powerless, and the oppressed citizens of this country against any violent eviction and/or demolition. It likewise mandates the provision of decent public housing at affordable costs, coupled with basic services and livelihood opportunities. Section 10, Article XIII of the Constitution states that “urban or rural poor dwellers shall not be evicted nor their dwelling demolished, except in accordance with law and in a just and humane manner.”

To carry out this constitutional mandate. Republic Act (RA) No. 7279 or the Urban Development and Housing Act was enacted to, among others, “uplift the conditions of the underprivileged and homeless citizens in urban areas and in resettlement areas” and “provide for an equitable land tenure system that shall guarantee security of tenure to Program beneficiaries.” However, recent incidences of violent evictions and demolitions show the gaps of the current law, requiring the review and amendment of the law.

This bill, therefore, strengthens the Urban Development and Housing Act by further securing the urban poor from violent and unjust evictions and demolition of their homes. It also seeks to ensure that, in the case of relocation, housing beneficiaries be relocated near their homes where they have access not only to basic services but also, and just as important, to jobs and livelihood that will give them the means to raise themselves and their families out of poverty. 

 The bill further provides that consultation must be effectively done with the active participation of affected communities, particularly in the identification and approval of relocation sites. This also expands the mandate of the law by requiring developers to develop an area for socialized housing equivalent to at least twenty percent (20%) of the total area or project cost—at the option of the developer—not only on proposed subdivision projects but all other land development projects. 

This bill also broadens the penalties on violations of the Urban Development and Housing Act.

The country’s inclusive growth imperative demands that no sector of society be left behind in progress and development. We firmly believe that it is the duty of the State to protect those who are unable to protect themselves. As the great late President Ramon Magsaysay had once said, “He who has less in life should have more in law.”

 In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly sought.

 

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Senate Bill No. 680: Decriminalizing Libel

The Filipino nation was built on our forefathers’ fight for freedom of expression and democracy. In the age of foreign colonizers, Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, and Graciano Lopez Jaena’s La Solidaridad, helped to ignite the spark that galvanized a fragmented people and lit up a revolution.

Decades later, in the midst of Martial Law, Filipinos once against used the power of words and ideas to fight against tyranny and oppression. Although many of the country’s top journalists were jailed for exposing the truths behind an unjust dictatorship, they inspired an entire nation to rise up and wage a bloodless revolution for democracy.

This spirit lives on in the Information Age. Around the world, citizens are using the power of ideas and words-transmitted over a globally connected network- to expose corruption, challenge unjust regimes, pursue the common good, and ensure good governance.

In the words of the late President Corazon C. Aquino, “Freedom of expression-in particular, freedom of the press-guarantees popular participation in the decisions and actions of government, and popular participation is the essence of our democracy.”

In the Philippines, freedom of speech has given rise to a robust civil society. No less than the Bill of Rights of the 1987 Constitution protects this fundamental human right, saying; “No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances.”

Moreover, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), of which the Philippines is a state party, protects these same rights while recognizing citizens’ responsibility in exercising these freedoms. Article 19 states:

 

  1. Everyone shall have the right to hold opinions without interference.
  2. Everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of his choice.
  3. The exercise of the rights provided for in paragraph 2 of this article carries with it special duties and responsibilities. It may therefore be subject to certain restrictions, but these shall only be such as are provided by law and are necessary:
  1. For the respect of the rights or reputations of others;
  2. For the protection of national security or of public order (ordre public), or of public health or morals.

 

In light of all of these, this representation seeks to decriminalize all forms of libel (i.e., in broadcast media or online) to encourage free and responsible discourse without necessarily compromising the State’s ability to hold persons accountable for irresponsible behavior.

 

No less than the United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) called Philippine libel laws “excessive” and incompatible with Article XIX, paragraph 3 of the ICCPR. It said: “States parties should consider the decriminalization of defamation 113 and, in any case, the application of the criminal law should only be countenanced in the most serious of cases and imprisonment is never an appropriate penalty. It is impermissible for a State party to indict a person for criminal defamation but then not to proceed to trial expeditiously-such a practice has a chilling effect that may unduly restrict the exercise of freedom of expression of the person concerned and others.”
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.


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