SK Reform

Sen. Bam: People, not the President, should choose next barangay, SK leaders

Let the people and the youth elect their barangay leaders.

Sen. Bam Aquino made this call as he criticized efforts to allow President Duterte to appoint barangay officer-in-charge once the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections are postponed.

“We stand firmly against appointing barangay officials. These leaders should represent the people, serve the people and not to be indebted to Malacanang,” said Sen. Bam.

 “We must uphold our democracy and respect the right of the Filipino people to vote and elect their barangay leaders,” added the senator.

 The lawmaker insisted that the people’s right to choose their leaders through the ballot is a foundation of our democracy that lawmakers must recognize and respect.

 “Even if we hold over the current officials before the next elections, at least they have the mandate from the people,” said Sen. Bam.  

But Sen. Bam wants the barangay and SK polls to push through this October, saying it is long overdue, most especially the implementation of Republic Act 10742 or the SK Reform Act.

 “The last SK election was seven years ago. Since then, we’ve reformed the SK and even included an anti-political dynasty provision. I would personally want to see the SK elections push through to empower our youth leaders,” said Sen. Bam.

 As a former student leader and former chairman of the National Youth Commission, Sen. Bam has long advocated for the welfare of the Filipino youth through several legislations, including RA 10742, which he pushed as co-author and co-sponsor during his time as chairman of the Committee on Youth in the 16th Congress.

 The law adjusts age limit of SK officials from 15-17 to 18-24 years old, making them legally capable of entering into contracts and be held accountable and liable for their actions.

The law also requires SK officials to undergo leadership training programs to expose them to the best practices in governance and guide their development as leaders.

 The new law also mandates the creation of the Local Youth Development Council (LYDC), a council that will support the SK and ensure the participation of more youth through youth organizations.

The LYDC will be composed of representatives from the different youth organizations in the community – student councils, church and youth faith groups, youth-serving organizations, and community-based youth groups.

Sen. Bam: Encourage youth to help gov’t anti-drug campaign through SK

Sen. Bam Aquino wants to see the Sangguniang Kabataan elections push through this October and allow the youth to help in the government’s anti-drug campaign.

“Instead of inciting fear, let’s give the youth the opportunity to help solve the drug problem and other issues in their community. Let’s encourage them through the SK,” said Sen. Bam.

During the Senate hearing on measures seeking to postpone the barangay and SK polls, Sen. Bam urged fellow lawmakers and concerned government to look into the possibility of holding a separate SK polls in October this year, saying the implementation of Republic Act 10742 or the SK Reform Act is long overdue.

“The last SK election was 7 years ago. Since then, we’ve reformed the SK and even included an anti-political dynasty provision. I would personally want to see the SK elections push through to empower our youth leaders,” said Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam Aquino has long advocated for the Filipino youth as a student leader and former chairman of the National Youth Commission.

Sen. Bam pushed for the RA 10742 SK Reform law’s passage as co-author and co-sponsor during his time as chairman of the Committee on Youth in the 16th Congress.

The law adjusts age limit of SK officials from 15-17 to 18-24 years old, making them legally capable of entering into contracts and be held accountable and liable for their actions.

The law also requires SK officials to undergo leadership training programs to expose them to the best practices in governance and guide their development as leaders.

The new law also mandates the creation of the Local Youth Development Council (LYDC), a council that will support the SK and ensure the participation of more youth through youth organizations.

The LYDC will be composed of representatives from the different youth organizations in the community – student councils, church and youth faith groups, youth-serving organizations, and community-based youth groups.​

Sen. Bam is also the principal sponsor and one of the co-authors of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.

Sen. Bam to youth: Government needs you

More than ever, the government needs young, passionate and idealistic leaders to help change it from within.

Sen. Bam Aquino made this pronouncement in the light of moves to postpone the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections slated in the last Monday of October this year.

 According to the senator, more young Filipinos are joining the national conversation, taking to the streets to air their grievances and using social media to voice out their opinion and stand on matters of national importance.

“The SK is an opportunity to go beyond the streets, beyond social media and really work on programs to change their communities for the better,” said Sen. Bam, a former chairman of the National Youth Commission (NYC).

“Many people underestimate the capability of the youth to lead but in my experience, big changes can come from the youth sector. Marami tayong youth leaders na nakakatulong sa kanilang komunidad at kailangan sila ng ating bayan,” he stressed.

 “Tama na ang walong postponements! Let’s roll out the new and improved SK and start developing better public servants for a better future,” said Sen. Bam, pertaining to Republic Act No. 10742 or the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Reform Act.

 “The new and improved SK will give the youth a chance to contribute to the development of the country and emerge as better public servants in the future,” said Sen. Bam, who pushed for the law’s passage as co-author and co-sponsor during his time as chairman of the Committee on Youth in the 16th Congress.

Earlier, Sen. Bam opposed the government’s plan to postpone SK elections and appoint barangay officials instead.

 “Mahalaga na mismong taumbayan ang magpasya kung sinong lider ang nais nilang iluklok. Sa ganitong paraan, makikitang gumagana pa rin ang demokrasya sa bansa,” said Sen. Bam.

Bam: Let’s give SK a chance to produce new heroes

Let’s give the new Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) a chance to produce a young generation of heroes.

Sen. Bam Aquino made this plea as the country celebrates National Heroes Day amid growing calls to postpone the SK elections for two years, adding that the reforms will be for naught if not implemented immediately.

 “Sayang naman ang repormang isinulong natin sa batas kung maghihintay pa tayo ng dalawang taon para ito’y makita,” said Sen. Bam, who pushed for the passage of Republic Act No. 10742 or the SK Reform Act as co-author and co-sponsor in the 16th Congress.

 “Bigyan natin ng pagkakataon ang SK na humubog ng mga bagong bayani mula sa ating mga kabataan na tutulong sa pagpapalakas ng ating mga komunidad,” added Sen. Bam, chairman of the Committee on Youth in the 16th Congress.

 Instead of a two-year wait, Sen. Bam is open to postpone the SK elections for several months until early 2017 to give the Commission on Elections (Comelec) ample time to prepare.

 “Huwag na nating pag-antayin pa ng matagal ang ating mga kabataan na kasalukuyan nang naghahanda para sa halalan at sabik nang maglingkod sa kapwa nila kabataan,” Sen. Bam asserted.

 “Gamitin natin ang pagpapaliban na ito bilang dagdag na panahon sa pagpaparehistro at paghikayat sa ating mga kabataan na tumakbo sa ilalim ng bagong SK,” he added.

 The SK Reform Act is the first legislation with an anti-dynasty provision, prohibiting relatives of elected officials up to 2nd civil degree of consanguinity or affinity from seeking SK posts.

 Aside from its anti-dynasty provision, the new law adjusts age limit of SK officials from 15-17 to 18-24 years old, making them legally capable of entering into contracts and be held accountable and liable for their actions.

 Sangguniang Kabataan officials will now be required to undergo leadership training programs to expose them to the best practices in governance and guide their development as leaders.

 The new law also mandates the creation of the Local Youth Development Council (LYDC), a council that will support the SK and ensure the participation of more youth through youth organizations.

 The LYDC will be composed of representatives from the different youth organizations in the community – student councils, church and youth faith groups, youth-serving organizations, and community-based youth groups.

Bam on postponement of SK elections

We waited long enough for the SK to be reformed.

 Now we have an SK Reform Law we can all be proud of, the agencies involved have made their commitments, and the youth have registered to vote.

 Ready na po tayo para sa bagong SK.

 Bukas po tayo sa pagpapaliban ng SK elections pero sana ay hindi hihigit sa isang taon at magamit ang panahon para pagbutihin pa ang implementasyon at paramihin pa ang mga botante at kandidato.

 Huwag naman sanang maagrabyado pa ang kabataang Pilipino.

 

BIDA KA!: Bida ang Kabataan sa SK Reform

Mga Bida, noong mga nakaraang buwan, naimbitahan tayo sa Far Eastern University (FEU) upang magsalita ukol sa maiinit na isyu ukol sa kabataan sa kasalukuyan.

Tinalakay natin doon ang ilang mga paksa, gaya ng social enterprise, Ten Accomplished Youth Organization (TAYO) Awards at ang mga panu­kalang reporma sa Sangguniang Kabataan.

Sa huling paksa, napukaw ang ating atensiyon ng daan-daang estudyante dahil marami sa kanila ang nagtanong ukol dito sa ginawang open forum.

Naikuwento ng ilan sa mga nagtanong ang kanilang mapait na karanasan sa pagtakbo sa SK elections.

Ayon sa isang nagtanong, bilang SK chairman sa kanilang lugar, maganda ang kanyang mga naisip na programa para sa kanyang komunidad ngunit hindi siya pinapansin sa kanilang lugar.

Tinalo kasi niya ang anak ng kanilang barangay chairman na mas popular at mas malawak ang makinarya sa kanilang barangay.

Inireklamo naman ng isa ang kawalan ng de-kalidad na proyekto ng SK sa kanilang lugar. Madalas, puro paliga at beauty contest lang ang mga proyektong nakalinya para sa mga kabataan.

Ang isa naman, isinumbong na walang alam sa mga polisiya ukol sa kabataan ang mga naupong SK official sa kanilang barangay. 

***

Mga Bida, magandang balita ang hatid natin sa mga nagnanais ng pagbabago sa sistema ng SK sa bansa, na ating isinusulong bilang chairman ng Senate Committee on Youth.

Noong nakaraang Martes lang, ating pinamunuan ang Bicame­ral Conference ang Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act.

Kabilang sa mga pagbabagong nakalagay sa nasabing panukala ay may kinalaman sa anti-dynasty.

Sa repormang ito, bawal nang tumakbo sa anumang SK position ang pamilya o kamag-anak ng sinumang public official — mula national, provincial, city/municipality at barangay levels pati na ng appointed — hanggang sa ikalawang antas ng pagi­ging magkamag-anak.

Malaki ang maitutulong nito sa ating pagsisikap na alisin ang SK mula sa tradisyunal na pulitika. Ang hakbang na ito ay magandang simula para sa mas malawak na anti-dynasty bill na umaasa tayong maipapasa sa kasalukuyang administrasyon.

Pinalawak din ng panukala ang edad ng SK patungong 18 hanggang 24 anyos upang magkaroon sila ng pananagutan sa kanilang mga pagkilos.

Dagdag pa rito, titiyakin ng panukala na may alam ang mga uupong SK officials sa kanilang paninilbihan dahil kailangan nilang sumailalim sa mandatory training programs upang magkaroon ng sapat na kaalaman na magagamit sa kanilang tungkulin.

Sa tulong ng mga training programs, matitiyak na may sapat na kaalaman at magiging magandang halimbawa ang ating SK officials sa mga kabataan.

Isinusulong din ng panukala ang pagtatatag ng Local Youth Development Council (LYDC), isang konseho na susuporta sa Sangguniang Kabataan at titiyak sa mas aktibong partisipasyon ng mga kabataan.

Ang LYDC ay bubuo ng mga kinatawan mula sa iba’t ibang youth organizations sa komunidad gaya ng student councils, simbahan at youth faith groups, youth-serving organizations at community-based youth groups.

Bukod pa rito, mabibigyan ng pagkakataon ang SK officials upang pamahalaan ang kanilang budget at mga programa. Sa ganitong paraan, maiiwasan ang pamumulitika upang mabigyang diin ang tunay na galing at talino ng kabataan. 

Mas malaki na ang kanilang responsibilidad, dahil sila na ang magiging may pananagutan sa kung ano at paano nila gagamitin ang kaban ng bayan. 

*** 

Mga Bida, inaasahan natin na raratipikahan ng Kongreso at Senado ang panukala. Pagkatapos noon, ipapadala ito sa Malacañang para malagdaan na ng Pangulo at maging pormal ng batas ito.

Mahigit na isang dekada na nating isinusulong ang mga reporma sa SK na nagsimula pa noong naging chairman tayo ng National Youth Commission. 

Kaya nakakataba ng puso ang pagpasang ito at buong galak kong ibinabahagi ang magandang balitang ito sa inyo.  Nawa’y lalo pa nating mapaigting at mapatibay ang pakikisangkot ng ating kabataan para sa ikauunlad ng ating mga komunidad at ng buong bansa!

 

First Published on Abante Online

 

Transcript of Sen. Bam’s Interview in Davao

On Street Children and Juvenile Justice

Q: Sir, salamat po sa panahon. Would you like to share to us, Sir, kung anong ginawa ng Senado, or in your personal capacity, ano ho ang mga nagawa natin para sa mga streetchildren sa bansa?

Sen. Bam: Actually, tuluy-tuloy po ang pagtalakay sa isyu ng streetchildren sa Senado. In fact, iyong last hearing po tungkol diyan, iyong nabalita na noong pagdating ni Pope na may mga nilipon na mga street children tsaka street families.

We had a hearing about that noong nakaraang buwan.

Sa totoo rin lang po, ang isyu po ng street children po natin, nandiyan po iyan sa Committee on children. Hindi po ako ang chairman niyan, tayo po ang chairman ng Committee on Youth.

Kami naman po, we also tackle iyong mga gangsterism, napag-uusapan natin na kung hindi maalagaan ang street children natin, baka umabot sila sa mga gangs.

Tingin ko naman po, at the end of the day, babalik at babalik pa rin po tayo sa economic reasons kung bakit po may street children.

Kung mayroon pong magandang trabaho o negosyo ang kanilang mga magulang, they’ll be less likely to be street children, magkakaroon po sila ng pagkakataon para makapag-eskuwela.

That’s really where they should be.  Kung saan po talaga dapat iyong mga kabataan natin. Hindi ho dapat talaga nasa kalsada. Dapat po nasa eskuwelahan.

Kung mayroon pong mga programa para makakuha ng trabaho ang kanilang mga magulang, magandang negosyo.
In fact, iyong 4Ps program natin, iyong DSWD program, tinatawag po iyang conditional cash transfer, iyong kondisyon po riyan, ang mga anak po ninyo wala dapat sa kalsada, dapat nasa eskuwelahan.

May mga programa naman po tayo, but I guess, pagdating sa implementasyon, kailangan talagang ma-fast track natin na mas maraming trabaho at negosyo iyong ating mga pamilyang Pilipino para less po ang pagkakaroon ng street children sa ating mga lungsod.

Q: Iyon pong mga revision sa juvenile justice law, lalong lalo na sa age, what do you say?

Sen. Bam: Ako, I’m not in favor of that. Alam ko naging mainit na usapin iyan dito. Ngayon po kasi nasa 15 years old iyong age of discernment.

May mga grupong nagbabalak na gawin iyong 12 years old. Pero parang mabigat naman po yata masyado na 12 years old pa lang, bibigyan mo na ng penalties ang isang bata na kaparehas ng penalties ng isang adult.

I think kailangan ho nating ma-implement nang maayos  iyong ating juvenile justice law.

Nakalagay po roon na dapat may mga sentro, mga rehabilitation center para sa mga kabataan natin. Masasabi naman natin na hindi pa gaanong ka-implemented iyon.

Iyong paghihiwalay sa mga bata sa matatanda kapag hinuhuli, hindi naman ito nai-implement sa ibang lugar. Kailangan pong ma-implement iyon nang maayos.

Anyway po, iyong 12 years old to 15 years old, puwedeng tingnan talaga ang krimen ang ginawa. Pero just to bring it down to 12, palagay ko kailangan munang ma-implement ang batas na iyon.

On BBL

Q: May I segue sa hottest na tanong ngayon. Ano ho ang peg ng mga senador natin sa Bangsamoro Basic Law vis a vis sa Board of Inquiry. Mayroon na po ba kayong kopya ng resolusyon?

Sen. Bam: Wala pa po. Tuluy-tuloy pa po ang mga imbestigasyon. Sa amin po sa Senado, natapos na po ang hearing. I think the committee report of the committee on public order, lalabas na po iyon in the next couple of weeks.

Marami pong nag-aabang ngayon doon. Doon sa committee report na iyon, talagang mapagdu-dugtong dugtong iyong mga kuwento at masasabi ho natin kung sino ba ang accountable at ano pa po ang kailangang next steps para makakuha tayo ng hustisya para sa ating kapulisan.

Pagdating naman po sa BBL, tuluy-tuloy naman po iyong pag-uusap tungkol diyan. I think iyong isang misconception ng maraming mga kapwa Pilipino po natin, na all or nothing itong batas na ito.

Kumbaga po, either 100 percent o zero percent. But the truth is, ang proseso po ng pagtalakay nito ay dadaan talaga sa tamang proseso.

So magkakaroon pa po iyan ng amendments, magkakaroon ng mga  pagbabago, papalakasin, lilinawin, ang ibang kataga at salita diyan.

Even the Senate President po natin, sinabi rin niya na kailangang maayos ang constitutionality issues.

Kung mayroong mga bagay-bagay na hindi tumutugma sa ating Constitution, kailangan talaga munang ayusin bago lumabas.

So, I predict ho na mahaba-haba pa po ang prosesong iyan. Kailangan talagang talakayin. In fact, bago pa po nangyari ang trahedya sa Mamasapano, marami na pong IP groups ang lumapit sa amin.

Alam ninyo, adopted po ako ten tribes ng Davao City. Kaya malapit na malapit po ang IPs sa akin. Sabi nila, Senator Bam, siguraduhin mo naman sa BBL, hindi mapeperhuwisyo ang ating indigenous people.

Marami naman po talagang mga pagdadaanan pa. Ang mahalaga po ngayon, kung ang taumbayan nga nakatutok po dito, huwag lang po sanang all or nothing.

Tingnan po muna natin kung ano sa mga probisyon ang dapat ituloy, dapat baguhin, dapat palakasin o di kaya’y dapat tanggalin.

I think that process, kung lahat po ng taumbayan nakatingin po, posible pong mas magandang batas ang ilalabas ng Senado at Kongreso.

Q: I hope the MILF also acknowledges the need na siyempre may mga amendments din naman.

Sen. Bam: I think, at the end of the day, kung dadaan ka sa proseso ng Senado at Kongreso, wala namang lumalabas diyan na as is. Kaya nga kami nandito, kung as is yan, nagka-Senado at Kongreso ka pa.

Kailangan talagang dumaan iyan sa proseso and ngayon nga pong mainit ang usapin, maganda pong mag-voice out ang mga kababayan po natin tungkol dito.

Iyong mommy ko po taga-Davao so iyong Mindanao bloc po ng mga senador, nandiyan po si Senator Pimentel na Cagayan de Oro, si Sen. Guingona ng Bukidnon and I consider myself as part of Davao.

Sabi ko, siyempre dapat taga-Mindanao din ang nagli-lead dito, sa usaping ito. Hindi naman maganda na ang BBL, na ang apektado ay taga-Mindanao, ay mga taga-Metro Manila iyong nag-uusap.

I think, the voice of Mindanao should really come out, hindi lang sa Muslim areas natin kundi sa buong Mindanao talaga. The voice should come out para mas maayos na batas ang BBL.

Q: Would you like to react on those who call for the President to say I’m sorry and even to the extent of resigning.

Sen. Bam: Unang una po, I think within a few days, sinabi naman po ni Presidente Aquino na he is responsible for everything. Sinabi na ho niya iyan. Ako ang responsable dito, ako ang commander in chief.

Baka nakalimutan lang ho nakalimutan lang ng mga taong nagtatawag na he takes accountability na nasabi na ho niya iyan. Sabi nga ho nila, action speaks louder than words.

Makikita naman po natin iyong dami ng oras na talagang binigay niya doon sa ating SAF, doon sa pamilya ng ating fallen policemen. Tingin ko naman po, the sincerity is there.

Doon naman po sa pagtawag ng pag-resign o ouster o coup d’etat, palagay ko naman po hindi iyan ang solusyon para makakuha ng hustisya sa ating kapulisan. Hindi po iyon ang solusyon para makakuha ng kapayapaan.

To be very frank rin, if we’re looking at our country, iyong takbo po ng ekonomiya, ito pong Davao City, booming na booming po talaga, napakaganda po ng takbo. Hindi po talaga makakabuti ang ganoong klaseng instability.

I think ang mahalaga po diyan, iyong ating institutions, kung mature na po tayo na demokrasya, kailagang ipakita na ang institusyon natin, may kakayahang magdulot ng hustisya para sa ating kapulisan.

They should be able to provide the justice, and at the end of the day, iyong iba’t ibang institusyon, nandiyan naman po ang Senado, Kongreso, BOI po ng PNP, tuluy-tuloy naman po iyong aming pagtatrabaho.

We will ensure that there is justice for the SAF 44 and at the same time, magkaroon po tayo ng lasting peace. Hindi po ang pag-resign ng presidente ang solusyon diyan.

On Duterte 2016

Q: You see Mayor Duterte in the horizon in 2016 perhaps. Anong tsansa na may isang Mindanaoan na sasali naman?

Sen. Bam: Alam ninyo, ako pangarap ko talaga na lahat ng tumatakbo para pagka-presidente, lahat ho magagaling. At iyong taumbayan, pipili na lang sila kung ano ang gusto nila.

Usually ho ang eleksyon sa Pilipinas, sino ba dito ang magnanakaw, sino iyong ang hindi magnanakaw.

It talks of mature democracy kung iyong mga tumatakbo iba iba talaga ang maibibigay nila sa ating bayan.

I think si Mayor po, pag andito naman ako sa Davao, lagi naman po kaming nagkikita rin. Iyong mommy ko po, naging teacher iyong nanay niya. Iyong lolo’t lola ko, naging teacher din niya.

If he throws his hat into the ring, I think it will be a welcome addition. At least iyong taumbayan po natin, magkakaroon ng options, magkakaroon ng pagpipilian na magagaling.

Of course, sasabihin ko lang po na kasama po ako sa partido but kung tatakbo po siya, it would be very welcome sa ating bansa.

Q: Any parting word po para sa mga taga-Davao, who’s watching the Senate in action?

Sen. Bam: Kadalasan po, kung babasahin po natin iyong diyaryo, feeling ho natin na ang trabaho ng Senado, puro lang imbestigasyon.

But actually marami naman po kaming tinatalakay. Last year, napasa po natin ang Go Negosyo Act, iyong isang batas na tutulong sa ating maliliit na entrepreneur.

Sabi nga natin kanina, iyong mga street children, kung may mga trabaho at negosyo ang kanilang pamilya, walang street children tayo. So may focus pa rin po tayo pagdating sa economic benefits ng ating bayan.

Napasa rin po naming ang Philippine Lemon Law, ang batas na nagpoprotekta sa mga bumibili ng kotse.

This year, may mga napasa na rin tayo on third reading. Hinihintay na lang po natin ang Congress version.

Iyong Youth Entrepreneurship Bill na magbibigay ng tulong sa mga kabataan na makapag-negosyo, malapit na pong maging batas, pagdasal po natin.

Iyong Competition Bill, iyon ho, anti-monopoly, anti-trust bill. Seventy years in the making na po iyan, napasa po natin iyan sa Senado.

Iyong batas po na magbubukas ng ports natin sa foreign ships, napasa po namin iyan sa Senado.

If that becomes law at magkaroon po ng Congress version, iyong ating Davao port dito, puwede nang puntahan ng foreign ships. Mas magmumura ang ating importing at exporting. Posible pong magmura ang presyo ng ating mga bilihin.

These are important laws, aside from the investigations, lahat po iyan ginagawa po naming para sa taumbayan.

Q: One follow up sir, SK reform?

Sen. Bam: Yes, napasa rin po natin iyan. Alam ninyo po, dahil nga po sa trahedya sa Mamasapano, hindi na po napag-uusapan ang ginagawa ng Senate.

We passed on third reading napasa na po sa Senado, hinihintay na lang po naming ang Congress version.

Iyong SK Reform Bill, tinataas po iyong edad from 15 to 17 to 18 to 24. Naglagay po kami ng anti-dynasty provision sa SK, hindi na po puwede na anak ng barangay captain or anak ng councilor o mayor.

Mandatory training tsaka ang tinatawag nating Local Youth Development Council na tutulong sa SK para magawa ang kanyang trabaho.  Iyon po, composed ng youth leaders mula sa eskuwelahan, simbahan at iba’t ibang community organizations.

Kung maging batas po ito, next time  na magkaroon tayo ng SK, which is 2016, mas magiging epektibo po sila at mas mapoprotektahan sila sa traditional politics.

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.

Bam: Time Running Out on SK Reform Bill

Senator Bam Aquino calls on colleagues to hasten the passage of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) reform bill, saying the time to introduce needed changes in the existing system is running out.

“We have less than two months remaining to introduce the changes that we are pushing for to make it more effective in addressing the needs of the youth,” said Sen. Bam, chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth.

Sen. Bam’s “Liga ng Bayaning Kabataan (LBK)” bill was among several bills consolidated under Senate Bill No. 2401 or the Youth Development and Empowerment Act of 2014.

According to the bill, Congress has until February 2015 to introduce the needed reforms in the existing system. If not, the elections will push through in February of this year with the current problematic system.

Instead of having the system abolished, Bam pushed for the suspension of the 2013 SK elections to pave way for introduction of needed reforms that will help turn the youth into better public servants in the future.

During the recent two-day Hackathon on SK, Bam urged the youth to actively participate in the shaping of the reform bill, which is currently undergoing interpellations in the upper chamber.

“We call on the youth to actively participate in the formation of this bill. Your input can be a big help as we craft a law that will introduce crucial reforms in the system,” said Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam said this is the best time for the youth to pitch in their ideas, which will be introduced during the amendment stage.

“The reforms we are pushing are crucial as they will harness volunteerism among the youth and pull them away from clutches of partisan politics,” the senator said.

The measure proposes to expand the age range for officers to 18 to 24 years old from the current range of 15 to 17 years old

The bill also pushes for increased participation for youth through the creation of the Local Youth Development Council (LYDC), composed of youth leaders from universities and colleges, the Church and other religious groups, and communities, that will support the SK and ensure the creation of better programs and policies for the Filipino youth.

 

Co-Sponsorship Speech of Sen. Bam Aquino on the Sangguniang Kabataan Reforms

Senate Bill No. 2401 under Committee Report No. 75
Otherwise known as the
Youth Development and Empowerment Act of 2014

Senator Paolo Benigno ‘Bam’ Aquino IV
16th Congress, Senate of the Philippines
Co-Sponsorship Speech, 29 October 2014

Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, good afternoon.

It is my honor and privilege to stand before you today to support the development of our Filipino youth leaders and spur the next set of Filipino heroes, as I co-sponsor Senate Bill No. 2401 under Committee Report No. 75  otherwise known as the Youth Development and Empowerment Act of 2014.

In a country where half of the population are 15-30 years old, it is our duty to provide  an enabling environment for the youth to be able to participate in building our nation.

The Filipino youth have the innate energy, creativity and innovative ideas to come up with new solutions to address the age-old problems of the country.

It is thus urgent to harness their full potential as a partner in the development of our country, to encourage their active participation in programs and projects of communities and engage them in transparent and accountable governance.

Ang kabataan ay hindi lang ang pag-asa sa kinabukasan ng ating bayan. May kakayahan na silang maging bahagi sa pagbabago ngayon at sa kasalukuyan.

Mr. President, para sa inyong kaalaman, ang title ng una kong panukala para sa bill na ito ay Ang Liga ng Bayaning Kabataan. 

Even though it was not carried in the amendments, we chose that title because we believe that the reforms for the Sangguniang Kabataan would develop more heroes among our Filipino youth, who are ready to sacrifice and give their time, talents and resources for the benefit of our countrymen.

Mr. President, my career as a public servant started in the youth movements, where I served as a member of the student council, which promoted volunteerism among our fellow students, and even at times, went to the streets to fight for the social issues of the day.

Noong ako po ay naging Chairman ng National Youth Commission noong 2002, binuo namin ang Ten Accomplished Youth Organization (TAYO) Awards na hanggang ngayon ay nagbibigay parangal sa pinakamagagaling na youth organizations sa bansa.

We recognize these youth groups that have made an impact all over the country through projects in education, health, livelihood and the like. 

Isa sa mga nanalo ay ang Gualandi Volunteer Service Programme, Inc. (GVSP) ng Cebu.  Natuklasan nila na isa sa bawat tatlong batang pipi’t bingi ang namomolestya sa kanilang lungsod. 

Kaya gumawa sila ng information campaign laban sa sexual abuse ng mga pipi’t bingi at kilalanin ang karapatan ng mga persons with disabilities.

Napansin naman ng Dire Husi Initiatives sa Cagayan de Oro ang mga batang lansangang naaadik sa rugby.

Kaya tinipon nila ang mga ito, pinakain, binigyan ng arts education at livelihood training para di na malulon sa droga at magkaroon ng mas magandang kinabukasan.

Ang huli kong halimbawa ay ang Hayag Youth Organization ng Ormoc City.  Tinuruan nilang lumangoy ang kabataan sa kanilang lugar at nagbigay sila ng iba pang water-disaster preparedness training bilang paghahanda sa mga sakuna.

Nang dumagsa ang Bagyong Yolanda, walang nalunod o naaksidente sa kanilang mga miyembro dahil sa kanilang training program.

Mr. President, the Gualandi Volunteer Service Programme, Dire Husi Initiatives and Hayag Youth Organization are only three youth groups among thousands who have spent their time creating relevant and innovative projects that address different issues in their communities such as PWD abuse, drug addiction and disaster risk preparedness and management.

Admittedly, if we talk about the Sangguniang Kabataan, there seems to be a disconnect with the youth that I have mentioned, and the reality on the ground for a number of Sangguniang Kabataan.

But today, we have the opportunity to change this notion if we pass this measure – the 2014 Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Bill.

We want to create an enabling environment for more young people to serve and find the heroism in them and hence, we are pushing for the reforms found in this bill.

After much debate and discussion, we want to highlight three points which we feel would encourage more young people to participate and spur heroism.

These are: expanding the age limit, creating local youth development councils and lastly, ensuring more relevant programs and projects of the SK all over the country.

Expanding the Age Limit
Firstly, we are proposing to expand the age range from 15 to 30 years old, in accordance to Republic Act 8044 or the Youth in Nation Building Act of 1994, and to peg the age of officers between ages 18 to 24.

The reform in age range will enable a greater number of youth to participate and give officials more independence in their affairs, such as signing contracts, disbursing money, and making them more accountable for their actions.

Youth Organizations Participation: Local Youth Development Council
The second major reform that we are pushing for is the introduction of the Local Youth Development Council (LYDC), a council that will support the Sangguniang Kabataan and ensure the participation of more Filipino youth through youth organizations.

The LYDC will compose of representatives from the different youth organizations in the community – student councils, church and youth faith groups, youth-serving organizations, and community-based youth groups.

It aims to harmonize, broaden and strengthen all programs and initiatives of the local government and non-governmental organizations for the youth sector.

The LYDC will serve as guide and refuge for the Sangguniang Kabataan so that their programs and policies will be rooted in the needs of the various youth oganizations that are present in their communities.

Mr. President, ang mga lungsod ng Pasay, Naga at Cebu ay kasalukuyang may mga LYDC upang mahikayat ang kanilang mga kabataang makibahagi sa mga programa ng kanilang LGU.

Sa Pasay, bahagi ang kabataan sa cleanliness at peace and order programs, at sa mga livelihood projects ng lungsod.

Sa Naga naman, nagfocus sila sa paggawa ng training at seminar para sa pisikal, pang-akademiko, psychological, at values formation ng kabataan.

At sa Cebu, kasama ang kabataan sa pagtatayo ng mga dormitories para sa kanilang migrant youth na nag-aaral sa iba’t ibang unibersidad ng kanilang lungsod.

In my time as the Chair of the National Youth Commission, I saw that this is a proven structure that can not only develop our Sangguniang Kabataan to be better leaders, but ensure that their decisions, actions and priorities are in line with the needs of the youth in their area.

Relevant and Impactful Programs and Projects
Lastly, we are pushing for the enumeration of clear themes of the programs and projects that can be explored by the LYDC and the SK in formulating their Youth Development Plans, to weed out tokenistic projects for the sake of having programs for the youth.

These programs need to meet the goals of promoting meaningful youth participation in nation-building, sustainable youth development and empowerment, equitable access to quality education, environmental protection, climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction and resiliency, youth employment and livelihood, health and anti-drug abuse, gender sensitivity, capability building and sports development.

We hope that the bill will also clarify the relationships between the Sangguniang Kabataan, the National Youth Commission and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

By doing so, we ensure that the programs and policies that they will come up with will truly be relevant and impactful for the sector they are supposed to serve.

Developing the New Filipino Heroes
Mr. President, it is urgent and important that we reform the Sangguniang Kabataan, as a platform for engaging the youth in the grassroots level, and where the youth will be honed to become better and more effective public servants in the future.

It is now time to work on strengthening our leadership institutions, particularly youth development programs to form new leaders with technical and management competence, and are grounded on Filipino values.

Kung itataguyod po natin ang kapakanan ng kabataang Pilipino, mabibigyan natin sila ng pagkakataong / gamitin ang kanilang likas na pagiging malikhain at madiskarte / sa paggawa ng mga bagong proyekto at programa para sa ating bansa.

Professor Ambeth Ocampo, historian and youth advocate mentioned that our heroes where young when they changed the course of our country: “[Jose] Rizal published the Noli Me Tangere at 26, Juan Luna painted the Spolarium at 27, and [Andres] Bonifacio began the Revolution at 30… So if [we] think about it – our heroes are young.”

It is imperative that we provide an enabling environment for more young Filipinos to be the new heroes that our country needs.

Maraming salamat po at magandang hapon.

Mabuhay ang kabataang Pilipino!

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