Former Senator and independent senatorial candidate Bam Aquino has vowed to explore policy efforts to support the country’s music industry amid the challenging digital landscape.

Bam made the commitment during a meeting with musicians from the hiphop, urban and rock music industry, such as DJ Medmessiah, Morobeats, Pio Balbuena, Chelsea Alley (formerly Slapshock), and PPop girl group Yara.

“Kilala ang mga Pilipino sa ating galing sa musika. Ito ang isa sa mga naglagay sa atin sa mapa. Kailangan pa natin itong palakasin para makatuklas ng mga bago pang talento,” Bam said.

However, the growth of the country’s music industry faces various challenges, such as digital piracy that impacts the revenue of Filipino artists and intellectual property issues.

“Magbabalangkas tayo ng mga polisiya upang matiyak ang kabuhayan ng ating mga musician at matiyak na protektado ang kanilang mga pinaghirapang obra sa pamamagitan ng pinalakas na intellectual property. (We will formulate policies to ensure the livelihood of our musicians and ensure that their hard-earned works are protected through strengthened intellectual property)," Bam said.

“Kailangan din nating tiyakin na mayroon silang health insurance bilang proteksiyon sa kanilang kalusugan, lalo pa’t napupuyat sila sa mga gig at iba pang event. (We also need to make sure they have health insurance to protect their health, especially since they stay up late at gigs and other events)," he added.

The musicians welcomed his pronouncement and expressed willingness to back his candidacy in the upcoming May polls, hoping that he could serve as a voice for the protection and welfare of the music industry.

Bam earlier gained the support of artists and influencers, such as Jolina Magdangal, singers Mark Escueta and Bayang Barrios, Niccolo Cosme, Mitch Valdes, Arman Ferrer, Ayrin Villamor, Moy Ortiz, AC Soriano, and comedian Alex Calleja.
 
Pia Magalona, Arkin Magalona, Elmo Magalona, Nica del Rosario, Pinky Amador, Kerwin King, Tita Jegs, Jim Paredes, Elha Nympha, Jeli Mateo, and Chef Jeng Flores, also aired their support for Aquino.

Other celebrities have also endorsed the candidacy of Aquino, including Bodjie Pascua, Lance Oca, Mama Loi Villarama, and The Company's Moy Ortiz, Sweet Plantado Tiongson, OJ Mariano, and Teacher Annie Quintos.

If elected to the Senate in the upcoming polls, Aquino plans to expand the free college law to cover more students and ensure that the subsidy for other school expenses under the law are provided. He has also committed to push for guaranteed employment for Filipinos.