Only an independent Senate that is not beholden to anyone will push the country forward as it will work for the interest of the Filipino people, Sen. Bam Aquino stressed.

“Kung ang Senado ay sunud-sunuran lamang sa kagustuhan ng administrasyon, walang pipigil sa mga polisiya na nagnanais taasan ang buwis ng mga mamamayan, mga batas na nagpapataas ng presyo ng mga bilihin,” said Sen. Bam, who is running for re-election under the Otso Diretso coalition.

 Sen. Bam said an independent Senate will prevent the passage of any law that is detrimental to the welfare of the public, like the controversial Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law that burdens the Filipino people with high prices of food and other goods.

An independent Senate also ensures check and balance between branches of government and serves as watchdog against corruption, guaranteeing that those involved in anomalies will be punished.

“Ang isang independent Senate ay magbabantay laban sa mga magnanakaw sa pamahalaan at maniniguro na ang mga ito’y mapaparusahan,” stressed Sen. Bam.

An independent Senate will also guarantee that the will of the people is being followed, and not just serve as a rubber stamp of the administration.

 “Napakahalaga ang ibang boses sa Senado dahil ito ang maninigurado na ang sinusunod ay di lang ang kagustuhan ng administrasyon kundi ang kagustuhan ng taumbayan,” said Sen. Bam.

Also, attempts to change the 1987 Constitution to remove term limits of elected officials and change the system of government to fit their political agenda will have no chance under an independent Senate.

 Sen. Bam stressed that an independent Senate can be achieved by selecting candidates that will work for the welfare of the people and not serve the interest of the administration.

“Sa darating na Mayo, kilatisin nating maigi ang mga kandidato para matiyak na sila’y magsisilbi para sa interes ng bayan at hindi para sa kapritso ng administasyon,” said Sen. Bam.

In his almost six years as senator, Sen. Bam has 40 laws to his name, including the landmark Free College Law that he pushed as principal sponsor during his time as chairman of the Committee on Education.