laws by bam aquino

Sen. Bam elated by all-out support for free college education

Sen. Bam Aquino welcomed the government’s all-out support for the full implementation of the law providing free education in state colleges and universities, local universities and colleges (LUCs) and vocational schools under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

“We are happy with the government’s promise to go all-out in implementing this law for the benefit of Filipino students, especially those who are poor and underprivileged,” said Sen. Bam, referring to Republic Act 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.

“Natutuwa tayo at kaisa natin ang pamahalaan sa hangaring hanapan ng kailangang pondo para sa epektibong pagpapatupad ng batas na itinuturing na napakalaking reporma sa edukasyon sa bansa,” added Sen. Bam, the principal sponsor and co-author of the measure in the Senate during his stint as chairman of the Committee on Education.

Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno expressed confidence that the P51 billion needed in the first year of implementation of the law can be sourced from the 2018 national budget. Diokno added that President Duterte is committed to implement the law by finding the needed budget for it.

Senate Finance Committee chairperson Loren Legarda also committed to find the necessary space in the 2018 budget for the implementation of RA 10931.

“Mahalagang mabigyan ng karampatang pondo ang batas na ito upang matupad ang layunin nitong mabigyan ng pagkakataon ang mas maraming Pilipino na makatapos ng kolehiyo at magkaroon ng magandang kinabukasan,” stressed Sen. Bam.

The law provides free education to students in SUCs, local universities and colleges (LUCs) and TESDA-run vocational schools. Aside from tuition fees, the government will shoulder miscellaneous and all other mandatory fees.

Scholarship grants will be made available to students of both public and private college and universities. It also provides a new and improved student loan program, where students can apply for financing for other education expenses.

In addition, students taking post-graduate studies can avail of the new and improved student loan program and scholarships under the law.

The measure was languishing in the legislative mill for years before it was passed during Sen. Bam’s time as chairman of the Committee on Education in the 17th Congress. This was Sen. Bam’s 19th law in his four years as senator.

Sen. Bam: Filipino scientists, innovators need our support

Sen. Bam Aquino urged government and the private sector to extend support to Filipino scientists and innovators as they can help find solutions to pressing problems like poverty, weak education system and even the drug problem.

“Our scientists, innovators and researchers need all the support they can get from us. Kailangan nila ang ating suporta upang makatulong sila sa pagresolba ng mga problemang kinakaharap ng ating bansa,” said Sen. Bam, chairman of the Committee on Science and Technology.

 Through the combined efforts of the government and the private sector, Sen. Bam said Filipino scientists and innovators will be inspired to work hard for the country’s development.

 Recently, the Senate tackled the three measures sponsored and co-authored by Sen. Bam in the plenary that aim to extend needed assistance to innovative start-ups and benefits to support Filipino scientists and researchers – Innovative Startup Act, Balik Scientist Act and Magna Carta for Scientists.

 If enacted into law, innovative startups will enjoy benefits such as tax breaks and grants and other forms of assistance, including a faster process for business registration.

Innovative start-ups could also avail of technical assistance and training programs, free use of equipment, facilities and support for patenting or licensing of their product through the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines.

The Balik Scientist Act and Magna Carta for Scientists both aim to ramp up support to Filipino scientists, engineers and researchers through financial benefits and other incentives.

  “We hope the government, the private sector and the public can have a greater appreciation for our scientists and innovators,” said Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam defends measures for start-ups, scientists and researchers

The Senate on Wednesday started plenary discussions on three measures that aim to provide needed assistance to innovative start-ups and benefits to support Filipino scientists and researchers.

Senator Bam Aquino, chairman of the Committee on Science and Technology, defended the three measures — Innovative Startup Act, Balik Scientist Act and Magna Carta for Scientists — during period of interpellation.

 Sen. Bam, who stood as principal sponsor and co-authors of the said measures, underscored the importance of providing support to around 200,000 innovative start-ups in the country.

 Innovative start-ups are businesses that provide unique and relevant solutions to pressing problems, from a simple application for finding a taxi and other systems for improving healthcare, supporting Filipino farmers and addressing unemployment.

“Our country has a number of promising start-ups and we need to provide them with the environment where they can grow and succeed, just like what their counterparts in other countries like United States and Israel are enjoying,” said Sen. Bam.

“Hopefully, this measure will unlock the potential of this sector. A lot of Filipino innovators are looking forward to this bill,” added Sen. Bam.

 If enacted into law, innovative startups will enjoy benefits such as tax breaks and grants and other forms of assistance, including a faster process for business registration.

 Innovative start-ups could also avail of technical assistance and training programs, free use of equipment, facilities and support for patenting or licensing of their product through the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines.

 Aside from the Innovative Start-up Act, the Senate also tackled the Balik Scientist Act and Magna Carta for Scientists, which both aim to ramp up support to Filipino scientists, engineers and researchers.

After the period of interpellation, the Senate will continue discussions on the said measures next month during period of amendments.

Sen. Bam: Tertiary education law also provides scholarships and loans to students

The Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act offers more than just free education in state universities and colleges (SUCs), local universities and colleges (LUCs) and vocational schools under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

“Hindi lang libreng edukasyon sa SUCs at LUCs ang hatid ng batas na ito kundi ang pagpapatibay ng scholarship programs at student loan programs ng gobyerno para sa kapakinabangan ng ating mga estudyante,” said Sen. Bam Aquino, principal sponsor and co-author of the measure in the Senate.

Sen. Bam said one of the salient features of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act or Republic Act 10931 is the new and improved student loan program.

 While undergraduate students in LUCs and SUCs are covered by free tuition, students taking post-graduate studies can avail of the new and improved student loan program and scholarships.

“Through the student loan program, students can apply for financing for other education expenses outside of their miscellaneous and mandatory fees that will be shouldered by the government under the law,” said Sen. Bam.

 In addition, Sen. Bam said the law also provides scholarship grants to students of both public and private college and universities by strengthening the existing Student Financial Assistant System (StuFAP) of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

After gathering dust in the legislative mill for years, the law was passed during Sen. Bam’s short stint as chairman of the Committee on Education in the 17th Congress. It was Sen. Bam’s 19th law in his four years as senator.

Sen. Bam also assured that lawmakers will make the necessary moves to ensure that the law will be properly funded and effectively implemented.

“With a more efficient use of our budget, there is more than enough fiscal space for this landmark reform,” said Sen. Bam.

 Earlier, Sen. Bam thanked President Duterte for signing the important measure into law, saying that millions of Filipinos are the real winners with this revolutionary education reform.

“Pagkatapos ng ilang dekada, batas na ang inaasam-asam ng napakaraming pamilyang Pilipino na libreng kolehiyo,” said Sen. Bam, “Estudyante, magulang at pamilyang Pilipino ang tunay na bida ng batas na ito.”

Sen. Bam: Free college education effective weapon vs poverty, crime, illegal drugs

Sen. Bam Aquino believes that the free college education law recently signed by President Duterte can be a long-term solution to poverty, crime and even illegal drugs.

“A college degree can unlock a better job and better livelihood for Filipino families. It is an effective weapon and long-term solution to combat poverty, crime and drugs,” said Sen. Bam, the Senate’s principal sponsor and co-author of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act or Republic Act 10931

“Ngayong may pagkakataon na ang maraming Pilipino na makatapos ng libreng kolehiyo, mas malaki ang tsansa nilang makaahon sa kahirapan at umasenso,” added Sen. Bam, who has been advocating for education, jobs and business as keys to lifting Filipinos out of poverty and giving them a chance at a better future.

Earlier, Sen. Bam thanked President Duterte for signing the important measure into law, saying that millions of Filipinos are the real winners with this revolutionary education reform.

“Pagkatapos ng ilang dekada, batas na ang inaasam-asam ng napakaraming pamilyang Pilipino na libreng kolehiyo,” said Sen. Bam, “Estudyante, magulang at pamilyang Pilipino ang tunay na bida ng batas na ito.”

The measure was languishing in the legislative mill for years before it was passed during Sen. Bam’s time as chairman of the Committee on Education in the 17th Congress. This was Sen. Bam’s 19th law in his four years as senator.

With this law, students will enjoy free education in state universities and colleges (SUCs), local universities and colleges (LUCs) and vocational schools under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) starting the second semester of school year 2017-18.

 Aside from tuition fees, the government will shoulder miscellaneous and all other mandatory fees.

 Scholarship grants will also be made available to students of both public and private college and universities. Plus, it provides a new and improved student loan program, where students can apply for financing for other education expenses.

 

Sen. Bam: Mission accomplished for revolutionary free tuition law

Sen. Bam Aquino extended his gratitude to President Duterte for signing the Universal Access to Tertiary Education Act into law, saying that millions of Filipinos are the real winners with this revolutionary education reform.

 “I wish to thank the President for signing the free college tuition into law. Congratulation to my fellow lawmakers and everyone who supported this policy,” said Sen. Bam, the principal sponsor and co-author of the law in the Senate. This was Sen. Bam’s 19th law in his four years as senator.

“Pagkatapos ng ilang dekada, batas na ang inaasam-asam ng napakaraming pamilyang Pilipino na libreng kolehiyo,” Sen. Bam added, “Estudyante, magulang at pamilyang Pilipino ang tunay na bida ng batas na ito.”

 Sen. Bam, who championed the bill during plenary debates and interpellation as former chairman of the Committee on Education, also assured that the Senate will find ways to find the needed Php25 billion to fully implement this law.

 The senator said Sen. Loren Legarda, chairperson ng Committee on Finance, already committed to including free tuition in the 2018 budget.

 With this law, students will enjoy free education in state universities and colleges (SUCs), local universities and colleges (LUCs) and vocational schools under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) starting the second semester of school year 2017-18.

Aside from tuition fees, the government will shoulder miscellaneous and all other mandatory fees. 

 Scholarship grants will also be made available to students of both public and private college and universities. Plus, it provides a new and improved student loan program, where students can apply for financing for other education expenses. 

The measure was languishing in the legislative mill for years before it was passed during Sen. Bam’s time as chairman of the Committee on Education in the 17th Congress.

 “I am thrilled that Filipinos will benefit from a free college education,” Sen. Bam added, “It was an honor to work on this revolutionary education reform and fight for its passage”.

Republic Act 10931: Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act

In the Philippines, 2 out of 5 high school graduates do not pursue tertiary education, hindered by the high tuition fees in addition to miscellaneous expenses incurred while studying. After spending many years working hard to make ends meet in order to put their children through school to obtain a high school diploma, it is often a disappointment to students who face the choice between working to help their family or sacrificing the education of other siblings so that one may be sent to college.

In line with the mandate of our Constitution, the State must uphold the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels. This bill seeks to make tertiary education in all State Universities and Colleges free of tuition for its students and fully subsidized by government.

Tertiary education is a valuable key that can help Filipino families break out of the poverty cycle, as families headed by tertiary degree holders earn, on average, two times as much as families who do not have postsecondary education.

However, higher education is often only available to middle-income families who can afford the high tuition fees and extra costs. As a result, these families continue to reap the benefits of obtaining a postsecondary education while poor families continue struggling to reach beyond their current economic situation.

In a nation with glaring income and educational inequality, the provision of tuition-free college education will be one great leap toward developing our fragile democracy. By unlocking this opportunity, poor and low-income families stand to benefit the most and will be empowered both economically and socially to be able to fully participate in our democratic nation.

A college education is not only a qualification that results in higher paying jobs, but is most importantly a means for the development of knowledge, innovation and social change in a nation. Supporting the growth of higher education in the Philippines will serve to heighten the quality of workforce so that we may partake more meaningfully in the global production of knowledge.

 

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Sen. Bam: Senate will ensure free tuition in SUCs is funded

Sen. Bam Aquino assured that the Senate will find ways to fund the P25 billion needed to implement the free tuition in state universities and colleges (SUCs) even if the measure is vetoed by President Duterte.

“Nag-commit na si Sen. Loren Legarda, ang chairperson ng Committee on Finance, na hahanapan ito ng pondo para sa 2018 budget para sa batas na ito. Hindi natin poproblemahin ito para sa 2018 budget dahil hahanapan natin ang pondo,” the senator explained.

 Sen. Bam Aquino also clarified that the free college education will need a budget of P25 billion and not P100 billion as claimed by a Malacanang official.

 “Iyong numero na binibigay ng Department of Budget and Management (DBM), masyado pong malaki iyon,” Sen. Bam said in a radio interview. “Sa amin sa Senado, ang computation namin na kailangan sa batas na ito ay P25 billion.”

Amid speculations that President Duterte will veto the measure, Sen. Bam remains optimistic that the Chief Executive will sign it into law. “Naniniwala ako na pipirmahan ni Pangulong Duterte ang panukalang ito. Kung priority mo ang edukasyon, popondohan mo ito,” said Sen. Bam.

 The Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act will automatically lapse into law on August 5 if not vetoed by the Chief Executive.

As principal sponsor and co-author, Sen. Bam defended the bill in plenary debates and interpellation during his stint as chairman of the Committee on Education.

He also stood as co-chairman of the Senate delegation to the bicameral conference committee, together with new Committee on Education chairman Sen. Francis Escudero and members Sens. Sherwin Gatchalian and Ralph Recto. 

 If passed into law, students will start to enjoy free education in state universities and colleges (SUCs), local universities and colleges (LUCs) and vocational schools under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) starting the second semester of school year 2017-18. Aside from tuition fees, the government will also shoulder miscellaneous and other fees. 

Under the law, scholarship grants will also be made available to students of both public and private college and universities. It also provides a loan program, where students can apply for financing for other education expenses.

Sen. Bam lauds signing of free internet in public places, his 18th law

Sen. Bam Aquino is delighted with the President’s approval of the Free Internet Access Program in Public Places into law.  

The President on Wednesday signed the measure into law, now known as Republic Act 10929. The law is Sen. Bam’s 18th in his four years as senator and his first in the 17th Congress.  

 “Masaya tayo na isa sa ating naipasang panukala sa Senado ay batas na. Nagpapasalamat tayo sa Pangulo sa kanyang paglagda bilang batas ang maging libre na ang internet sa mga pampublikong lugar,” said Sen. Bam, principal sponsor and co-author of the measure in the Senate in his capacity as chairman of the Committee on Science and Technology.   

 “This will expand internet access across public spaces in the Philippines, including public schools to aid in teaching methods and enhance learning,” the senator added.  

“There is also a provision for faster permitting for internet infrastructure, which is a key feature in the law to improve infrastructure development,” added Sen. Bam.  

The law provides free internet access in all national and local government offices, public schools, public transport terminals, public hospitals and public libraries.   

 Under the measure, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) will be mandated to craft a plan and a timeline for the rollout of this program.  

 Sen. Bam is also hopeful that the President will sign the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, another measure he sponsored and co-authored in the Senate.

Sen. Bam: We will deliver free tuition at all costs

Sen. Bam Aquino said he, along with the other legislators, will continue to fight for the enactment of the measure providing free tuition at all costs.

“If the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act is vetoed, there are alternative actions that the legislature can undertake to ensure that our students still receive the support they need. Congress with a two-thirds vote can reconsider the veto and still pass it into law. Or we can fund this initiative on a year-to-year basis through the GAA,” said Sen. Bam, principal sponsor and co-author of the measure in the Senate.

 “Lastly, we can refile the measure, but this will take time,” added Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam reiterated that Sen. Loren Legarda, chairperson of the Committee on Finance, has committed to fund free college education, which would need around a minimum of P25 billion. A much smaller amount than theP100 billion as earlier claimed by the economic managers.

 However, Sen. Bam remained hopeful that President Duterte will still sign the bill into law. He added, ‘I hope the President and his economic managers can see this as a sound investment in our future.’

 In the Senate, Sen. Bam maintained that education and free tuition remains a priority. “Hahanapan natin ng paraan upang ibigay natin into para sa pamilyang Pilipino,” said Sen. Bam.

 Sen. Bam defended the bill in plenary debates and interpellation during his stint as chairman of the Committee on Education.

 He also stood as co-chairman of the Senate delegation to the bicameral conference committee, together with new Committee on Education chairman Sen. Francis Escudero and members Sens. Sherwin Gatchalian and Ralph Recto.  

If passed into law, students will start to enjoy free education in state universities and colleges (SUCs), local universities and colleges (LUCs) and vocational schools under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) starting the second semester of school year 2017-18. Aside from tuition fees, the government will also shoulder miscellaneous and other fees.  

 Under the law, scholarship grants will also be made available to students of both public and private college and universities. It also provides a loan program, where students can apply for financing for other education expenses.

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