Senatorial candidate Bam Aquino promised market vendors in Bataan that if he wins in the coming May 2025 midterm polls, he will serve as their “voice” in the upper chamber to push for laws and policies that will protect their rights and address their grievances.
Senatorial candidate Bam Aquino speaks to market vendors of Balanga Public Market in Bataan on Saturday, March 22, 2025. (Photo from Bam Aquino Media Bureau)
The former senator visited Balanga Public Market in Bataan, where he was warmly welcomed by market vendors and consumers, on Saturday, March 22, as part of his endeavor to reach more Filipinos and listen to their concerns.
“Kami ay handang makinig at umaksyon sa mga pangangailangan ninyo. Iyan ang hangarin namin, na makatulong sa pamilyang Pilipino mapagaan ang sitwasyon ng pinagdadaanan po natin (We are ready to listen and act on your concerns. That’s our goal, to help ease the burdens of Filipino families),” he said.
“Makakaasa kayo na kapag binalik niyo ako sa Senado, ako ang magsisilbing boses niyo (Rest assured that if we return to the Senate, I will serve as your voice),” the former youth leader and social entrepreneur added.
While Aquino is advocating for free college education and guaranteed jobs, he also emphasized his support for small businesses, such as market vendors.
He promised to push for tax reliefs and other types of aid for micro, small at medium enterprises (MSMEs) so they can increase their revenues, stressing their importance in the country’s economy because they represent 99 percent of businesses in the Philippines.
Aquino, aside from his Free College Law, was also the principal author and sponsor of the Go Negosyo Act that aids small and medium enterprises through access to funding, market, and mentorship programs.
A former senator, Aquino was chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship during the 16th Congress.