Bam Aquino

Transcript: Excerpts from Sen. Bam’s interview with PRIB media

Q: Iyon pong sinasabing nag-o-organize sila ngayon ng People Power?

Sen. Bam:  Of course, karapatan ng bawat Pilipino iyan. Iyan naman ang ipinaglaban natin noong 1986 na magkaroon ng demokrasya ang taumbayan. Lahat naman tayo libre na sabihin ang nasa loob ng ating puso.

In fact, most Filipinos do that now online. So kung iyan talaga ang pakay na magkaroon ng isang rally para i-voice out ang kanilang nasa saloobin, and that’s their right.

At the end of the day, we’re hoping na hindi na tayo magka-coup kasi ang isang coup, that would set us back by so many years. Ang arangkada ngayon  ng ating ekonomiya, sayang naman kung magkaka-kudeta tayo. Mas makakagulo pa.

I think right now, and ito rin iyong nasa isip ko habang nag-hi-hearing kami sa Senado, hanapin natin ang hustisya para sa ating kapatid na kapulisan. Let’s look for justice. Ilabas ang katotohanan, siguraduhin natin ang mga pamilya nila na naaalagaan and of course, iyong mga perpetrators and combatants, hulihin.

At the end of the day, iyon pa rin iyong nasabi ni Gen. Espina, iyong ang nasabi ni Gen. Napenas, na hinahanap nilang hustisya para sa namatay na kapulisan. I think, in the Senate, we’re doing our best to be able to achieve those objectives.

Q: Kailangan pa ba ng dagdag na hearing?

Sen. Bam: That’s up to the chairperson. But I think yung hearings nakakatulong sa taumbayan. Noong unang lumabas ang isyung ito, marami talagang misinformation na lumalabas. Marami ring na-publish at marami ring napag-usapan sa media na after the hearings nalaman nating hindi totoo.

I think the hearings are very helpful in terms of bringing out the truth. Saka ang taumbayan natin nakikita nila kung ano talaga ang nangyari.

Makikita mo naman sa hearing, unfiltered iyan. Kung ano ang nasa isip at nasa puso ng resource speakers, whether from the AFP, from the PNP at mula sa iba’t ibang sangay ng gobyerno, malaya naman silang magsalita at ilabas ang kanilang iniisip.

Q: Sir ano sa tingin niyo ang mga questions na left unanswered?

Sen. Bam: We are undergoing our executive sessions right now. We’re hoping that after the executive session, all of these questions will be answered. We did agree na maglalabas ng statement ang chairperson after all executive sessions are finished at hindi pa tapos.

Q: Bakit ipinatigil sa House ang hearing? Was it intended to save the President from further embarrassment?

 Sen. Bam: To be honest, wala akong impormasyon regarding why the House finished that. That’s their business. Dito naman sa atin, wala pa naman kaming pinag-uusapan na tatapusin basta basta. In fact, we’re in the middle of our hearings right now. Kaya lang at this point, executive session tayo.

Q: Without discussing the specifics of the executive sessions, bakit umabot ng apat na oras si Napenas?

 Sen. Bam: Of course, may mga tanong at marami rin kaming nagtatanong. So I’ll leave it at that.

Q: Even after three hearings, ganun pa rin karami ang tanong?

 Sen. Bam: I don’t really want to discuss kung ano ang nasa loob ng executive session but let’s leave it at that. Maraming tanong, maraming nagtanong. Unlike in the open hearing, doon naman malaya kaming magtanong at magkaroon ng follow-up questions din.

Q: May mga sagot ba sa executive session na puwedeng ibulgar sa public?

 Sen. Bam: Wala pa pero after we finished, pagkatapos ng pangatlong executive session natin today. Kung tapos na talaga ang executive session, the committee will come out with a report kung ano ang mga puwedeng ilabas sa publiko.

Q: After Napenas kahapon sir, all questions nasagot na niya?

 Sen. Bam: All questions para sa kanya.

Q: Kung di puwedeng i-discuss sa iba, kayo-kayo lang nakakaalam na mga senators?

 Sen. Bam: Don’t forget na iyong pinaka-output nito is committee report na magbibigay ng recommendations. At iyong recommendations will go the appropriate agencies, whether ito iyong investigating body o sa korte.

Q: Kailangan na bang magsalita si P-Noy sa kanyang role sa Mamasapano?

 Sen. Bam: Ang pinagtatakhan ko nga, noong last public address niya, inako na niya ang responsibilidad. Sinabi na niya I’m responsible for this, I’m the commander in chief at nasabi na rin niya na iyong output nito, which of course, ang pagkamatay ng mga kasama sa kapulisan, dadalhin na niya iyan hanggang sa mamatay siya.

Everytime na may nagsasabi na hindi niya inaako ang responsibilidad, nagtataka ako dahil doon sa statement niya, inako niya iyong responsibilidad. I’m not sure what else he needs to say. He said it’s his responsibility. He owned up to it already.

Responsibility, accountability. Hindi ko alam kung ano pa ang hinahanap ng mga bumabatikos sa kanya. Inako na niya iyon. Now with regard to legalities or liabilities, that what agencies are for. Kung ano iyong iniimbestigahan nila. But with regard to taking accountability and responsibility, palagay ko he already admitted that. Nasabi na niya iyon sa kanyang public address and that was just few days ago.

Q: Kung kayo, kailangan pa ba ng isang hearing?

 Sen. Bam: I think ang taumbayan natin, may mga impormasyon na kailangan silang marinig mula sa resource speakers, at hindi mula sa amin. Palagay ko, magkakaroon pa kami ng isa pang public hearing but it’s really up to the chairman to decide.

Q: Sir iyong sa BBL, ano po ang gusto niyong amyendahan?

 Sen. Bam: Even before the Mamasapano incident, marami sa aming mga senador, gustong maglagay ng amendments para mas mapaganda iyong batas o mas maging mayaman iyong batas natin.

For example, may mga indigenous peoples group na lumapit sa atin noon, hindi lang sa akin kundi sa marami pang senador, na nagre-request na maglagay ng probisyon safeguarding the rights of indigeous peoples in the Bangsamoro autonomous areas. Balak ko talagang ipasok iyon.

Hopefully, dito sa nangyari sa Mamasapano, I would expect na pag natuloy na ang BBL hearings natin, I’m sure marami sa mga kasama ko, magsa-suggest ng ways to improve or ways to safeguard the Bangsamoro Basic Law in the future.

Q: Iyong executive session, may mga naging part na posibleng makaimpluwensiya sa madali o mas matagal ng suliraning ito?

 Sen. Bam: Hindi lang sa executive session kundi sa buong nangyari. Itong nangyari, kailangang maresolba muna, ano ang nangyari talaga, ano ang katotohanan, sino iyong mga kailangang managot sa nangyaring ito and they have to be brought to justice.

Mahirap i-tackle iyong BBL kung iyong mga bagay na iyan, left hanging pa rin. Hindi pa rin naso-solve.

Because of what happened sa Mamasapano, malaki talaga ang epekto niyan sa BBL. I’m hoping iyong concerns ng taumbayan, iyong concerns ng maraming cause-oriented groups, masagot talaga.

We still need to push for peace pero kung kinakailangang baguhin, i-amend o tingnan ulit ang BBL, kailangan siguro talagang gawing iyon.

Matagal ko na ring panawagan iyon. Iyong mga taong pumatay, iyong mga taong gumawa ng heinous act, gumawa ng summary execution, kailangang madala sila sa hustisya, kailangang dumaan sa tamang proseso.

From there, we go to the BBL na meron na tayong mga puwedeng i-enhance sa BBL o mayroon tayong puwedeng baguhin doon na mas magiging malakas pa iyong batas na iyan at mase-safeguard pa ang pangamba ng maraming tao tungkol diyan.

Q: What happened to the Truth Commission?

 Sen. Bam: The House did not go for it. So di siya matutuloy. At the end of the day, I think we’re able to bring out the truth in our Senate hearings.

It should have been a law. Batas kasi ang bubuo noon. Ang counterparts namin sa Kongreso, hindi na ito itutuloy. They basically said, idaan na lang sa hearing.

The Speaker had suggested just a joint committee hearing instead. But then, hindi rin natuloy iyon, naging separate congressional hearings na lang.

At least, iyong assessment ko, iyong Senate hearings naman natin, nakakapaglabas naman ng katotohan. I’m personally satisfied with the openness of the hearings. Iyong mga tanong diretsahan. Iyong mga sumasagot, nakakasagot naman.

Q: May lumalabas na isyu na tumulong ang US sa planning, strategy and extrication ng sundalo. Hindi ba kailangang i-subject sa investigation ng Senate iyon?

 Sen. Bam: Noong tinanong iyan kay Gen. Napenas, he requested na pag-usapan nila iyan sa executive session. By later today, the committee may have some statement.

Q: Nire-require pa po ba ang MILF leadership sa executive session?

 Sen. Bam: That’s really up to the committee to invite them or not. Ang alam kong naka-schedule today are two other generals.

Q: Ano ang masasabi niyo sa mga pulis na pumasok sa mga pulis na pumasok para hulihin si Marwan?

 Sen. Bam: Matapang talaga sila and they accomplished their mission. I think, iyon ang isang bagay ang nakakalimutan ng maraming tao. Namatay sila doing their service, namatay sila making this world a better place. Nakakalimutan ng maraming tao.

Alam ko other senators felt failure ang nangyari but ako pero personally I commend them. In fact I have a resolution commending hindi lang ang namatay kundi pati na rin iyong mga nabuhay.

Kasi they accomplished their mission. Talagang they risked their lives for the country.

Alam niyo si Marwan, siya ang responsible sa Bali bombings. He is also responsible for hundreds of deaths dito mismo sa Pilipinas. They accomplished their mission. They did a good job.

As we know, iyong nangyari very unfortunate, talagang tragic. May mga namatay at iyong mga taong responsable diyan on both sides kailangang managot.

Q: Isa-suggest niyo ba sa komite na mag-ocular sa pinangyarihan?

 Sen. Bam: Hindi pa po napapag-usapan ang suggestion na iyan. Right now, wala pa namang nagsa-suggest but if the chairperson feels na ang susunod doon, I will go with them. Pero sa ngayon hindi pa napag-uusapan iyan.

Q: At this point, may nakikita kayong grounds o grievances para i-demand ang ouster ng Pangulo?

 Sen. Bam: No. I mean, think about it. Ouster, napakabigat noon. Ouster, that’s an extra-constitutional act. Napakabigat niyan. Kailangan tayong magtiwala na may proseso naman tayong puwedeng mag-resolve ng issues na ito.

I understand, emotions are very high pero at the end of the day, ang hinahanap pa rin natin ay iyong magiging maganda sa ating bansa. I think an ouster, which means a coup, will bring us back so many years.

Siyempre iyong democracy tayo, kung ano ang gustong sabihin ng isang tao, nasa kanya iyon. I may not agree with you pero ipaglalaban ko ang karapatan mo na sabihin ang nasa loob mo. That’s the democracy that we fought for.

Q: So di made-destabilize ang administration?

 Sen. Bam: For destab kasi, kailangan mo ng kapulisan, kailangan mo ng army, kailangan mo ng mass-based support. I’m hoping we can resolve all of our issues through the proper government processes and through proper judicial processes, hindi na kailangan ng extra-constitutional means.

Transcript: Sen. Bam’s Questions during the Mamasapano Hearing Day 3

Sen. Bam: Chairman Iqbal, na kahit may violation, ipagpapatuloy pa rin ninyo ang peace talks?

Mr. Iqbal: On the part of the MILF, we are committed to peace. For us, there is no other option except the option of peace.

Sen. Bam: Sabi po ninyo, there is no other option but peace, I would like to ask regarding justice, ito rin po ang tanong noong isang araw, at masaya ako na nandito kayo para sagutin ang mga tanong nang diretsahan.

Kahapon po si Gen. Espina gave a very impassioned and emotional plea and the question regarding why his men were treated that way, I think that went to the heart of many Filipinos.

I’m sure nakita ninyo na rin po ang mga video, may reports na rin kayo on the grounds.

Handa rin ba ang MILF na tumulong sa ating government officials na arestuhin, mag-serve ng warrant kapag panahon nang mag-serve ng warrant of arrest at i-turnover ang mga gumawa po ng heinous crimes sa ating mga SAF 44. Handa po ba kayong tumulong?

Mr. Iqbal: Mahirap na tanong yan pero kayang ang usapin dito iyong justice. Kailangang mag-apply iyan sa two sides. Ibig sabihin, ang hustisya hindi lang para sa malakas. Ang pinaka-importanteng hustisya ay iyong para sa mahina.

However, regarding your question, I think we have a mechanism to address that question. It’s in the mechanism of the ceasefire agreement and the ADJA. The MILF, in the beginning, in 1997 up to today, we consider all signed documents as sacred. Even that agreement is signed between Muslims and non-Muslim.

Because it is the same whether you sign an agreement with a Muslim or with a non-Muslim, the sacredness of that agreement is there.

Sen. Bam: First of all, Mr. Iqbal, ang malakas at mahina in this case. Maybe traditionally malakas ang gobyerno at mahina ang kasama natin sa MILF, pero in this case, klarong-klaro po, mas marami po ang ibang forces.

Kung makikita po ninyo, mas maliit ang puwersa ang pumasok sa Mamasapano compared to the forces who were there.

Iyong nakita po natin kahapon, iyong nag-surface na videos at medico-legal, na may pinatay na harap-harapan, iyon po labag din po iyon sa karapatan ng MILF, di po ba?

Mr. Iqbal: Your honor, would you allow me to read a portion of the code of conduct of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces?

Sen. Bam: Please.

Mr. Iqbal: Its Article 1, Items 4,5,6 and 7. Number four, wounded enemy combatants. Never betray or be treacherous or vindictive.

Do not mutilate, don’t cut or burn palm trees or fruitful trees or home dwellings. Don’t slay sheep, a cow, camel or other animals except for food.

Number five, surrender enemy combatants. Maintain and observe justice at all times and avoid light retaliation. Protect and treat them humanly. That’s in the Quran.

Number six, prisoners of war or captives. Be kind at all times of captives or prisoners of war. Collect and care for wounded combatants. It’s still in the Quran.

Number seven, medical or distinctive signs. Respect personnel and facilities or persons bearing an object mark with signs as Red Cross or Red Crescent, including religious persons, military or civilians bearing white flag used for negotiation, truce or surrender.

You know, your honor, I am tasked by this one.

Sen. Bam: So sinasabi ninyo na iyong nakita ng taumbayan na pagtrato sa SAF 44, iyong pagpatay sa kanila nang harap-harapan at kung paano po sila pinatay, iyong nakita po natin.

Mr. Iqbal: Masakit sa amin iyon ang pagkamatay ng SAF.

Kaya nga ho kailangan ng independent investigation para makita natin.

Sen. Bam: Madam Chairman, I would like to give the last word to Gen. Espina. Yesterday po, mayroon kayong hinaing, brought Gen. Napenas to tears.

Many of us were moved by that statement. At this point, ano pa rin po ang hustisya na hinahanap ng ating kapulisan dito sa nangyari?

Gen. Espina: Katulad po ng nasabi ko noon pa, matagal ko na pong nilagay ang sarili ko doon sa paano humahanap po ng hustisya. Doon ho malalaman ninyo na. 

Katulad noong pamilya, ano ho ba ang gusto nilang mahanap so we’ll have a good perspective  of what really justice are we seeking. Kaya nga ho iyan, malaman ho ang katotohanan.

Kung malaman po ang katotohanan through investigation, dapat po maparusahan ang sinumang may pagkakamali at pumatay. Iyan na ho lahat iyan.

Hindi na ho kasi natin maibabalik ang  nagawan po ng injustice. Buti na lang at nandito si Chairman Iqbal, at least naiparating po natin sa kanila kung ano po ang nangyari sa mga pulis namin.

Maraming salamat po. I hope sama-sama po sana tayo. Apatnapu’t apat po ang ating namatay, sabi niyo sa inyo disiotso. 

We have to be both together here in seeking justice for our people. Iyong sa inyo naman po, sana maging ganoon din.

Iloilo Entrepreneurs to Enjoy Access to Capital from Negosyo Center

ILOILO CITY — Entrepreneurs and would-be businessmen will now enjoy access to financing and other assistance with the opening of the country’s second Negosyo Center onFeb. 6 at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) building this city.

Senator Bam Aquino, author of Republic Act 10644 or the “Go Negosyo Act”, will formally open the Negosyo Center together with several local and DTI officials, led by Secretary Gregory Domingo, Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya, Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and League of the Municipalities of the Philippines Iloilo Chapter Head Neil Tupas.

The “Go Negosyo Act” provides for the establishment of Negosyo Centers in provinces, cities and municipalities in the country.

“The opening of a Negosyo Center in Iloilo City will boost the development of micro, small and medium enterprises, creating jobs and livelihood in the community,” said Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam said the Negosyo Center will provide a unified and simplified business registration process, thus helping ease of doing business and fast-track government processes in putting up a business in Iloilo City.

“By making business registration simpler and more efficient, we hope to encourage more Filipinos to start their own small businesses to stimulate the local economy,” Sen. Bam emphasized.

Iloilo has been ripe for investment and economic growth. In 2012, it recorded an impressive expansive growth of 7.5%, even surpassing the national growth rate of 6.6%.

Aside from ease of doing business, Sen. Bam said the Negosyo Center will help link up entrepreneurs with microfinance institutions that provide financing without collateral.

“We aim to develop and spur the rice, sugar cane, hog and commercial fishery industries of Iloilo. We want them to grow into bigger businesses and be able to compete in larger markets,” added Sen. Bam

In addition, the Negosyo Centers will provide courses and development programs, training, advice on business conceptualization and feasibility, management, capability building, human resources, marketing and other support services.

Life Bank Foundation Inc. president Manuel Perlas hailed the establishment of the Negosyo Center here, saying it will open up horizon for entrepreneurs to enhance their business skills and expand their networks.

“We hope this will reinforce the growth of bayanihan economics that is critically needed for poverty eradication to take root throughout the country,” Perlas said.

The Negosyo Center in Iloilo City is the second in the country, next to Cagayan de Oro, which was established last November.

As mandated by RA 10644, Sen. Bam expects that around 100 Negosyo Centers will be established in different parts of the country this year.

“With the help of DTI, I hope we can reach or even exceed our target for this year,” Sen. Bam said.

Transcript of Sen. Bam Aquino’s Interview on the Internet, SK and BBL

On the Slow and Expensive Internet

 

Q: Sir how likely iyong pino-propose na one-stop shop?

A: Iyan ang commitment ng NTC na mag-one-stop shop sila dahil lumabas sa ating hearing na ang isang telco ay mangangailangan ng sixteen steps, maybe six to seven national government agencies, pati iyong local government permits napakatagal it takes about six months to get any permit para makapagtayo ng tower (cell site) o ng infrastructure.

Alam natin na kapag dumadami ang infrastructure natin, mas bibilis iyong Internet connection natin.

Tinalakay natin sa hearing ngayon kung paano pabilisin ang proseso, push for ease of doing business at magkaroon ng very real solution to increasing our Internet speed.

On the side of DILG, nag-commit sila na kausapin iyong mga liga, cities, municipalities at provinces para maging standard ang mga fees na sinisingil at mga proseso para makakuha ng permit ang ating mga telcos.

Ang NTC naman, nag-commit sila na simulan iyong proseso ng pagbuo ng isang one-stop shop para lahat ng ahensiyang kinakailangan para magtayo ng towers, sa kanila na lang pupunta at kukunin ang permits na iyon.

Lumalabas na DENR, DOE, DPWH, DOH, all of these agencies ay kailangang puntahan para makapagtayo ng isang Internet facility.

We’re hoping na mapabilis ang proseso and this can be one of the solutions para mapabilis ang Internet speed sa Pilipinas.

Q: Ibig sabihin, magmumura rin ang rate ng Internet?

A: Not necessarily. This hearing was not on the rates.

This was on pagtulak ng infrastructure para magkaroon ng maraming towers at mga facilities para bumilis ang ating internet speed.

Q: May agreement na ba sa minimum speed?

A: That was the subject of our NTC hearing noong November.

The second hearing will be in February kaya hinihikayat natin ang mga kababayan natin to follow live on Twitter.  Nila-live tweet natin ang NTC hearings.

Iyong second hearing nila will be on Feb. 16 at iyong paglabas ng kanilang memo circular will be in March.

Ang maganda po riyan, naging bukas ang NTC na tanggapin ang suggestions ng civil society partners at iba pang netizens upang magkaroon ng totoo at tamang batayan sa Internet speed.

Ang naging contention po ngayon, wala pong opisyal na batayan sa ating Internet speed.

Kapag lumabas po iyon, puwede nang ibangga iyong opisyal na speed na iyon sa nakalagay sa advertisements natin kung naaabot ba ang naka-advertise na bilis sa nakukuha ng consumer.

Q: Ano ba dapat ang bilis?

A: Dapat nakukuha mo ang binabayaran mo. In short, kung five dapat five. Pag sinabing ten dapat 10. Kapag sinabing one, one lang diyan dahil ang assumption ay mura ang binabayaran mo.

Iyong mahalaga, and this is why it becomes a consumer issue kaya sa committee on trade, na iyong binabayaran ng ating mga kababayan ay nakukuha ang katumbas.

Hindi puwedeng mataas ang binabayaran tapos ang nakukuha ay substandard.

 

On the Sangguniang Kabataan Reforms

 

Q: Iyon pong sa SK, may hearing sa Congress mamaya. Kailan po ang naka-schedule na pagdedeliberate dito?

A: Ongoing na po iyan. Iyong SK reform bill nakahain na po iyan sa plenaryo and we’re hoping by March, maipasa na natin ang SK reform bill.

Ang panawagan namin sa Kongreso, at natutuwa naman kaming pumayag sila, ay sabay ang pagpasa at postponement ng SK reform bill.

Kung ipo-postpone lang po natin iyan na walang kasiguruhan kung kailan ang next election at walang nabago sa sistema, hindi po maganda iyan.

Ang main na panawagan namin sa Kongreso, this quarter we pass both the postponement and the SK reform bill, para pagbalik ng SK come 2016 kasabay ng barangay election, nakareporma na ito at bago na ang patakaran niya.

Specifically, gusto naming itaas iyong age ng SK officials mula 15 to 17 na aminado tayong lahat na masyadong bata to 18 to 24.

Magkaroon ng isang anti-dynasty provision na bawal maging SK chairman at mga kagawad ang mga anak ng barangay captain at barangay kagawad. I think malaking reporma ito.

Pangatlo, iyong mandatory training na kailangang dumaan sa tamang training ang lahat ng uupo sa SK para alam talaga nila ang patakaran ng good governance at patakaran ng pag-handle ng budget.

Pang-apat, ang pagsama ng iba pang youth organizations sa municipal council o iyong tinatawag nating local youth development council. Nakita natin na maraming kabataan na nagpa-participate pero hindi bilang SK, pero bilang council leader, bilang volunteer sa NGO o bilang volunteer sa kanilang simbahan.

Iyong structure na iyon ay dapat sumuporta din doon sa SK na bumubuo iyong local youth council na bubuuin ng iba’t ibang youth leaders at volunteers.

Ito ang apat na main reforms natin sa SK na gustong itulak para pagbalik po ng SK natin, hopefully, isa na itong body that we can really be proud of at talagang maaabot ang hangaring makatulong sa kabataan.

On the Basic Bangsomoro Law

 

Q: With recent developments, are you withdrawing support behind BBL? 

A: I think we should still pursue the BBL, in light of all the things that happened. Tatalakayin, kung hindi ako nagkakamali, sa susunod na linggo ang nangyari sa Maguindanao. I think all of us are interested to know kung bakit nangyari iyon, ano ang mga dahilan kung bakit tayo umabot doon.

Coming from that hearing, I’m sure na magkakaroon ng revision or amendments sa BBL. Remember we are still in the process of deliberation.

Iyong porma ng BBL, magbabago pa iyan. I think it’s premature to just say wag na lang.

Kung kailangang amyendahan iyan o baguhin iyan because of what happened, then gawin natin iyon. That’s the process of legislation.

Ang mahirap lang kasi ay papakawalan na natin agad. Hindi siya either or. Hindi ibig sabihin na papakawalan natin ito dahil nangyari ito or the other way around.

Mahalagang imbestigahan natin. We find out what really happened. Managot ang dapat managot.

Ask the difficult questions. At the same time, tingnan natin iyong kalalabasan noon doon sa BBL process natin.

I’m just hoping na huwag tayong magkaroon ng gut reaction na pakawalan agad natin dahil because of what happened. At the same time, alamin natin kung ano ba ang nangyari talaga and of course, iyong mga dapat managot, talagang managot sila.

People died. Ang daming namatay na kapulisan natin. Hindi puwedeng mawala na lang iyon. That has to be investigated, and if there charges that have to be filed, they have to be filed.

 

 

 

Q: How should we address ang demoralization among members ng SAF?

A: That’s why we will have that hearing next week. Hindi katanggap-tanggap na in the midst of peace process na nangyari ang isang bagay na iyon.

We need to find what really happened. At kung may mga taong dapat managot dahil diyan, dapat managot talaga sila.

Q: There were reports that the suspended PNP was behind the operation?

A: I don’t know the inside story kaya tayo mag-iimbestiga para malaman talaga natin.

Q: Sa rules, puwede pa ba siyang mag-command kahit suspended siya?

A: I don’t know the specific rules ng PNP, but ako like all of you, I’m very interested to join the hearing and participate so we can get to the bottom of this.

Q: You’re among those who signed BBL – 

A: Yes. I’m not withdrawing. As I said we should continue the process. Hindi ibig sabihin na ipagpapatuloy ang proseso na we will sweep this under the rug.

We have to contend with what happened in Maguindanao. Napakaraming pamilya ang nawalan ng breadwinners, mga ama.

That has to be settled and we have to find out what really happened. And that can be done through the investigations here.

I predict na because of that, there will be amendments or changes na mangyayari sa BBL. I just think that it’s a gut reaction to let go of the peace process right after this tragedy had happened.

Magandang pag-usapan na muna kung anong nangyari, imbestigahan, charged those who need to be charged. Get to the bottom of things and then see paano mababago ang BBL because of that.

Palagay ko, ang hangarin natin na magkaroon ng kapayapaan, hindi dapat maantala dahil sa nangyaring trahedya.

Q: Ano ang tingin niyo na possible impact if lawmakers decide not to pass the BBL?

A: Iyong goals ng BBL na magkaroon ng peace and development sa Mindanao, hindi matutuloy. This is a landmark legislation, a landmark move of our country.

It has the potential to change the way our country is. I’m hoping na we find out what really, charged those who need to be charged, matulungan natin iyong pamilya ng mga namatayan.

At the same time, see if the BBL needs to be changed or modified because of that and we move from there. Pero sana iyong hangarin na magkaroon ng kapayapaan dahil sa batas, hindi mawala at hindi tayo mawalan ng momentum doon  sa pagtulak nito.

At the same time rin, hindi rin natin dapat madaliin. We cannot also rush an important legislation.

I predict that we will go through the investigations, magkakaroon ng mga amendments pero iyong hangarin natin, dapat ituloy pa rin natin.

Q: Matutuloy po ba ang timeframe niya?

 

A: I doubt that it will be passed by March.

Again, the committees are still hearing it. Hindi ganoon kabilis ang pangyayari, especially sa ganito katindi at kahalagang lehislasyon.

So I’m still hoping we can get it passed this year. Pero sana huwag nating pakawalan o huwag tayong bumitiw ng basta-basta.

Statement of Sen. Bam Aquino on the Encounter of the PNP-SAF with MILF

We deeply condole with the families of the Philippine National Police (PNP) officers who perished in Sunday’s clash with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Maguindanao.

The PNP leadership must ensure that the benefits of these fallen police officers will be provided to their families the soonest possible time.

At the same time, the PNP must launch a thorough investigation into the incident and find ways to avoid similar encounters in the future.

The lives of our police officers must not be compromised. Both parties must account for the lives lost.

We must not allow this tragedy to be an obstacle to our efforts for lasting peace in Mindanao.

Save the Children First During Disasters – Sen. Bam

With the country lying along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a senator underscored the need for the creation of a national program that will provide protection and assistance to Filipino children displaced during disasters.

“Filipino children are most vulnerable and are worst affected during disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, flash floods, which regularly happens in the Philippines every year,” Senator Bam Aquino said in Senate Bill No. 2466.

During the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda last year, Aquino said an estimated six million children were affected, according to data from Save the Children.

“The children who survived the onslaught lost their loved ones and some became orphans while most of them experienced psycho-social trauma, difficulties in evacuation centers, loss of classroom time and access to social protection,” said Aquino, chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth.

Aquino said existing policies must be reviewed to give better support to Filipino children, especially during disasters, calamities or in armed conflict to help lessen trauma, restore normalcy quickly and build their resilience better.

“A national program is crucial in the most vulnerable areas of the country, where the experience of prolonged displacement would have a profound impact on the children’s sense of security, physical and emotional well being,” the senator said.

In addition, the bill pushes for child-centered training to disaster first responders, teachers, psychologists and other volunteers in disaster recovery, relief and rehabilitation, with special modules for different stages of children and youth development

“Providing the targeted needs of the Filipino children, specifically during times of distress, ensures the long-term security and health of our nation,” Aquino stressed.

Meanwhile, Save the Children, through country director Ned Olney, welcomed Aquino’s bill, saying it is critical to invest in policies that will help provide adequate support and protection for Filipino children during emergencies.

“Once this bill is passed into law, the Philippines will be the first country in South East Asia with a ‘Children in Emergencies’ law to protect the particular needs of children before, during and after disasters,” Jebb said.

Sen. Bam Supports March of Coco Farmers via Filing of Trust Fund Bill

A senator has filed a bill seeking to create a Coconut Levy Trust Fund to help boost the development of the coconut industry and alleviate lives of coconut farmers and their families.

“For more than forty years, coconut farmers have long been fighting for their rights, not only to access to the Coco Levy Fund but also for the opportunity to develop their industry,” Senator Bam Aquino said in Senate Bill No. 2467.

Earlier, Sen. Aquino supported an indirect initiative filed by Kilusan para sa Ugnayan ng Samahan ng mga Magniniyog or KILUS Magniniyog, calling for the creation of a trust fund from the coco levy fund.

“The livelihood of millions of coconut farmers depends on the coco levy fund so it must be used to uplift the sector,” the group said in a statement when it filed the initiative.

The Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) reported that coconut farmers are earning just between P16,842 to P23,000 per year, a far cry from the P61,000 average annual net income of an agricultural household.

The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), for its part, said 41 percent of coconut farmers live below the poverty line.

“It is high time to change its narrative from one of the poorest sector in the country to a great economic driver and source of pride of the Filipino people,” added Aquino.

Aquino stressed that the P73-billion Coco Levy Fund will further advance farming technology and intercropping, which in turn, harness the coconut industry’s potential to address increasing demands and offer coco fiber, water, and oil, among others to new markets.

Earlier, the Supreme Court declared that the coco levy fund belongs to the government and should be used for the welfare of coconut farmers.

Aquino’s measure seeks to finance programs for the increased productivity of coconut farms, capacity building of farmers, research and development of coconut-based enterprises, and implementation of poverty-alleviation programs.

“The goal is to rehabilitate and revitalize the industry to stimulate production and attract investments that will make it again a viable, profitable and sustainable endeavor,” Aquino said.

In addition, the proposal seeks to modernize the farmers and stakeholders to make coconut production globally competitive and become a vital source of economic income for the country.

“It is thus urgent and important to provide the coconut farmers the enabling environment and proper opportunity to thrive and flourish, and be able to participate in building this nation” Aquino said. 

Sen. Bam Aquino’s Interview after the inspection of Noche Buena/Media Noche Goods at Welcome Supermarket in Pasay

QUESTION: Ano po ang inyong assessment sa inspection natin?

ANSWER: We checked ang Noche Buena list natin sa SRP. Lahat naman pasok. In some cases, mas mababa pa nga sila. We’re quite happy with the inspection. Pagdating nga sa pasta, compared to last year, malaki nga ang binaba sa presyo.

Of course, everytime bumababa ang presyo, masaya kami ni Usec Dimagiba at lahat ng mga namimili. So far, we’re happy to say that in this check, lahat naman pasok na pasok.

QUESTION: Iyon pong ham, napansin po namin, pabagu-bago po ang presyo?

ANSWER: Pagdating sa meat products, mayroon talagang fluctuations. Pero the ones that we saw earlier, pasok siya sa suggested retail price.

Sen. Bam Aquino’s Interview during the Destruction of Uncertified Christmas Lights at DTI

QUESTION: Ano po ang role ninyo sa activity na ito?

ANSWER: Ako kasi ang Chairman ng (Senate) Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship so we have oversight function sa Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Throughout the year, aside from helping our micro and small entrepreneurs, isang lagi rin namin ginagawa ay ang consumer check, of course with Usec. (Victor) Dimagiba and Secretary Greg (Domingo).

This time, ang nakikita natin ay iyong mga substandard Christmas lights. Dinudurog po siya rito, sinisira dahil hindi po ito safe sa ating mga bahay.

Kailangan tingnan po ang tamang sticker at dumaan sa tamang proseso para alam nating safe ang mga ito para sa ating mga bahay.

Ito po, iyong mga nakita nating substandard, walang tamang ICC sticker at kung makikita po ninyo, talagang marupok po ito at hindi talaga tamang gamitin para sa ating mga bahay

Q: Sir sa policy lang, paulit-ulit po kasi iyong problemang ito. Even if every year po ini-inspect po natin. From the policy side, ano po ang puwede nating gawin?

 A: From the policy side, pinag-uusapan namin ni Undersecretary Dimagiba, baka kailangang itaas ang penalties sa mga retailers na nagbebenta.

Last year, nag-check din tayo ng Christmas lights. This has to be a partnership between the public and government.

It won’t fully work kung panay confiscating lang ng DTI. Kailangan ang mamimili maging mapanuri rin sa binibili, tsini-check ang kanilang binibili kung akma sa kanilang mga bahay.

Q:  May proposal po ba kung gaano kataas ang penalties?

A: We’re discussing it now.  In fact, magkakaroon ng amendments sa Consumer Protection Law next year.

 

Sen. Bam Lauds Outstanding Youth Groups in TAYO Awards Finals

Senator Bam Aquino lauds the twenty youth organizations that made it to the national finals of the 12th Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) Awards for their untiring efforts to address problems in their respective communities.

The National Capital Region (NCR) will be represented by Phi Lambda Delta Sorority, Children Museum and Library Inc. Junior Council Alumni Association, UP Circuit, Kanlungan Pilipinas Movement Inc., and UP Business Administration Student Council.

From Luzon, Youth for Environment in School Organization, LCNHS-Ransohan Ext, Red Cross Youth and Junior Rescue Team, CITE Youth Volunteer Group, Katipunan ng mga Kabataang Santiagueno, and Indigenous Youth Servant Leaders Association of the Philippines-Isabela made it to the national stage.

Kwaderno, Order of Asclepius, Rapid, Inc., University of San Agustin Little Theater and Youth for a Livable Cebu emerged as winners in the Visayas area finals held in Iloilo City last Nov. 9-10.

Finally, Move this World-Pilipinas Inc, ACCESS PYLP Alumni Association Inc.-ZAMBASULTA Chapter, Hearts and Brains Youth Volunteers, New Breed Special Force, and Rebirth Outdoor Trekkers and Adventurers Philippines Incorporated clinched the five spots for Mindanao after the area finals held in Cagayan de Oro.

“We laud these youth organizations for their untiring efforts and perseverance to find new solutions to solve age-old problems in their respective communities,” said Aquino, chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth and TAYO Awards co-founder.

“These TAYO national finalists have taken the initiative and went out of their way to help in the best way they can,” the senator added.

The 20 national finalists were determined after a grueling week of deliberation by a select panel of judges, led by NYC Commissioners Dingdong Dantes, Perci Cendaña, Earl Saavedra and Jose Rafael Cruz, and representatives from the TAYO Alumni, media and corporate sponsors.

“While we can only pick five groups each from NCR, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, all the participants are already winners in their own right for effecting change in their respective communities through different programs and projects,” Aquino said.

The judging that will determine this year’s winners is tentatively scheduled on December 8-9, at the Senate Building in Pasay City.

The annual search for Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) is the country’s premier recognition program for youth organizations.

Since its inception in 2002, the TAYO Awards Foundation has successfully gained credibility as an institution that recognizes and supports the outstanding contributions of youth organizations to the country.

The annual TAYO Awards is organized by the TAYO Awards Foundation, Inc., the National Youth Commission, Coca-Cola Foundation and the Office of Senator Bam Aquino.

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