Bills by Bam Aquino

Senate Bill No. 673: Menu Nutritional Information Act

“The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them” – Section 15, Article 2,1987 Philippine Constitution.

While the number of foodies is growing with the number of must-try eating establishments around the country, we are confronted with the challenge of eating healthy and balanced diets. And though the love of food is an integral part of the Filipino identity, we must do our part in battling the health concerns that plague our society.

In the Philippines, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality, accounting for 30.2% of deaths among Filipinos in 2003 according to a report from the Department of Health (DOH).

In addition, the risk for noncommunicable diseases increases, with increases in body mass index. The World Health Organization (WHO) expects that the percentage of Filipino obese men over thirty will increase from 23% of the population in 2005 to 24% in 2015, while the rate for women will increase from 34% in 2005 to 44% in 2015.

The WHO also noted that 80% of premature heart disease, stroke, and type two diabetes and 40% of cancers can be prevented through a healthy diet.

While we are well aware of the nutritional content of the food we consume from supermarkets, Filipinos are left in the dark when eating out, lacking easily accessible information to make informed choices when eating in restaurants. There are abundant data to show that people who eat at fast food establishments consume more calories and miss out on the more nutrient rich food groups. Consumers are unaware of the calorie and nutritional content of their choices and this leads to an unhealthy eating pattern.

Nutrient content information provided at the time of food selection in food service establishments would enable consumers to make more informed, healthier choices and can be expected to reduce obesity and the many health problems which obesity causes.

Provision of calorie and nutrient information on menu and menu boards is another way to accomplish the mandate of the Constitution. The consuming public is unable to make an informed choice as to which menu item is more nutritious as opposed to others in a food service establishment.

This bill seeks to address the problems of obesity, improper nutrition and the diseases they cause by providing consumers with relevant information so they may make better food choices.

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

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Senate Bill No. 672: Peace Education Act

Conflict is one of the biggest hindrances to achieving national unity and economic development and, sadly, the Philippines is not exempt from problems of ethnic conflict, amongst a host of other types of conflict.

Media coverage, with catchy headlines and limited word counts, can often further narrow public understanding of complex issues that surround conflict leading to a greater gap between different groups in Philippine society.

In a global environment where extremism threatens our democratic ideals, it is imperative for our nation to introduce Peace as an integral part of our school curriculum. By doing so, we can ensure that our youth and future generations are in a better position to unite, founded on a solid understanding of our multicultural nation.

This bill seeks to introduce Peace Education in the school curriculum at all levels, in both public and private educational institutions. Under the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), a Peace Education Advisory Council would be formed whose mandate would be to formulate the syllabus, learning materials and facilitate teacher-training and evaluation of the Peace Education program.

By introducing topics such as religious pluralism, gender and sexuality, cultural diversity, and conflict management into classroom discussions, we may begin to develop our youth’s openness to meaningful expressions of diversity. In creating this conversation within a safe and moderated school environment, we can bridge together the many different ideas that, left unexplored, threaten to pull our nation apart.

Conflict has great economic and social costs, and most importantly, leads to many human casualties. To achieve prosperity as a nation, we must take the necessary steps in uniting our diverse population through formal education on Peace.

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


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Senate Bill No. 671: Free Cultural Experience for Students Act

The recent announcement by National Museum of the Philippines that admission will now be permanently free is a welcome change to all Filipinos. In particular, this benefits teachers and parents of public school students who are eager to visit but were discouraged due to the admission fee that many families cannot afford.

The numerous public museums, national historical shrines and landmarks in the Philippines serve as a rich place to learn about our history, our cultural heritage and our artistic talent as a nation. However, these places are often unknown to or inaccessible to public school students who cannot afford the costs of field trips.

In order to enrich the learning of all Filipinos, this bill seeks to remove admission fees to all public museums, national historical shrines and landmarks, for students enrolled in public schools. In doing so, experiential learning through field trips and cultural immersions will become more accessible to students and teachers who wish to use these venues to share valuable knowledge about our history.

Through this bill, the study of culture, art and history will no longer be a privileged pursuit, but something that is accessible to all students who will benefit from a greater appreciation of our country’s heritage.

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


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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. 668: Philippine Islamic Financing Act

The lack of effective access to responsive financing is one of the main challenges to the growth and development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Philippines. This obstacle is doubly experienced by our Filipino Muslim entrepreneurs in the ARMM/Bangsamoro region and in different parts of the country with the absence of banking and financial services that are compliant with the principles of Shari’ah or Islamic law.

Islamic banking and finance involves the conduct of banking and finance operations consistent with the principles of Shari’ah or Islamic law. In compliance with the Shari’ah, this kind of banking and financing operations is characterized by risk-sharing and equitable distribution of wealth. Undertaking or financing of anti-social and unethical businesses, and the setting of interest or a fixed pre-determined rate of return are prohibited.

Islamic banking and finance in the Philippines is limited by three major challenges:

1) Lack of a clear and regulatory framework for Islamic banking and finance, where our existing laws do not provide for the policy infrastructure needed to enable Islamic banks to thrive and current tax laws also subject Islamic financing products to more taxes;

2) Lack or scarcity of experts on Islamic banking and finance; and

3) Lack or very low investor awareness and acceptance of Islamic banking and finance.

According to the Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Islamic banking is the fastest growing component of the financial services industry worldwide. It continues to grow by 21% despite the challenging global context.

Currently, there are more than 600 Islamic financial institutions operating in more than 75 countries and almost all major multinational banks offer Islamic financial services.

However, there is only one Islamic bank in the country – the Al-Amanah Islamic Investment Bank of the Philippines, established in 1973.

Thus, it is high time to provide an environment where more of our Muslim entrepreneurs can thrive and prosper, and tap their full potential to help develop the ARMM/Bangsamoro region and the whole country as well.

The Philippine Islamic Financing Act of 2016 seeks to help in addressing these challenges and enhancing the legal and policy environment for the development of Islamic financing in the country. 

The bill amends the charter of the Al-Amanah Bank, providing for the organization and regulation of an expanded Islamic banking system in the Philippines.

It seeks to strengthen the Al-Amanah Bank to service a broader market, while promoting both the establishment of other Islamic banks and engagement in Islamic banking arrangements by conventional banks under the supervision and regulation of BSP.

The proposed measure further mandates government to provide programs for increased consumer awareness and capacity building required by the expanded Islamic banking system. 

Accompanied by other critical inclusive finance reforms and innovations, this bill seeks to ensure the development of MSMEs not only in our major urban centers but also in the poorest and hardest to reach areas.

It also seeks to ensure that every Filipino regardless of status, identity, or religion has access to critical services that enable our countrymen and women to seize economic opportunities and be part of the country’s progress.

Our diversity makes us unique. Our openness and support for each and every “kababayan” is what should distinguish us and make us succeed as Filipinos.

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

 

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Senate Bill No. 693: Students’ Rights and Welfare (Straw) Act

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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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