Sen. Bam Aquino stressed the need for an independent Senate that will protect the interest and welfare of the Filipino people, and not beholden to those in power.

“Ang kailangan po ng ating bayan ay isang Senado na independent, hindi po sunud-sunuran sa mga taong nakaupo at bagkus, kinakampihan ay ang tao po mismo,” Sen. Bam said during the ABS-CBN senatorial debate.

“Kailangan natin ng isang Senadong magsisigurado na ang pangangailangan ng bawat Pilipino ay matutugan — edukasyon, kalusugan, pagbaba ng mga presyo ng bilihin at hustisya,” added Sen. Bam.

Aside from working for the welfare of the Filipino people, Sen. Bam pointed out that an independent Senate will fight the passage of any measure that will burden the public.

“Kailangan natin sa Senado na iyon ang itataguyod, at siyempre kailangang lumaban din sa mga panukalang magsisilbing pabigat sa taumbayan,” added Sen. Bam, one of four senators who voted against the ratification of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law.

 During the debate, Sen. Bam encouraged voters to choose candidates who will work for the amendment of the TRAIN Law to help lift the burden of high prices of food and other goods on the public, especially the poor.

“Iboto natin ang mga senador na willing mag-commit na amyendahan ang TRAIN Law,” said Sen. Bam, who, as early as May 2018, filed the Bawas Presyo sa Petrolyo Bill to suspend the excise tax on fuel under the TRAIN Law.

Sen. Bam has 35 laws to his name, including the landmark free college law, but he stressed that more work needs to be done to ensure employment for all graduates.

“Kung papalarin, we will build on reforms on education. Naipasa natin bilang principal sponsor ang libreng kolehiyo sa ating bansa. Ngayong mas madali nang mag-graduate ang ating kabataan, siguraduhin natin na ang bawat graduate ay may magandang trabahong naghihintay sa kanila,” said Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam also committed to work on other education reforms, such as improvement of facilities and benefits for teachers.