Senator Bam Aquino discussed the behind-the-scenes at the unprecedented workload currently confronting lawmakers. The Senate has shifted into full-day marathon sessions—stretching from 10 a.m. onwards and simultaneously handle regular legislation, high-pressure budget deliberations and the fast-moving impeachment trial.
“In the Senate kasi nagsasabay-sabay na yung mga trabaho. Of course, you have regular session, which is legislation. You have the impeachment. And then now is the budget time also. It’s really the amount of attention and concentration that you have to give to all of these things. Kung palampasin mo yung session, hindi ka makapagpapasa ng batas. Kung palampasin mo yung budget, of course, we’ve talked about the budget many times. It’s the most important law that’s done yearly… yun, yung pera ng bayan. So, kailangan mong bantayan,” he said.
In the midst of intense political scrutiny and impeachment sessions Aquino is doubling down on legislative reforms designed to directly empower Filipinos, filing Senate Bill No. 2517 or the Philippine Agency for the Creative Economy (PACE) Act.
The PACE Act aims to establish a dedicated agency under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to provide institutional, legal, and operational support for Filipino artists, performers, filmmakers, musicians, designers,and digital creators performing or working abroad. Inspired by international models like South Korea’s KOCCA (Korean Creative Content Agency) which powered the global rise of K-pop and K-dramas.
“They asked for coffee. Nanggulat ako. Naglabas ng laptop si Josh and he started to present. Like he made a full presentation about possible legislation to help Filipino artists who are going abroad. He said “When you’re out there, you’re on your own. Wala kang natatakbuhan. Can there be an agency that can support us?” And doon namin kinreate with them yung PACE bill,” the senator explained.
The law will resolve key vulnerabilities faced by Filipino talent overseas. Filipino performers abroad currently have no centralized government agency to turn to if they are taken advantage of by fraudulent promoters or face contract disputes.
Artists, performers and esports gamers often encounter severe delays or rejections when applying for visas for international tours, competitions or showcases. PACE leverages Philippine diplomatic offices and trade attachés to vouch for and facilitate visa processing.
The law also establishes official avenues to verify venues, promote Filipino culture and build sustainable global pipelines for local talents.
The landmark bill was born out of direct collaboration between Aquino and P-Pop global icons SB19.Aquino revealed that SB19 members Pablo and Josh approached him with comprehensive, research-backed proposals based on their experiences touring abroad.
The senator praised SB19 for leading the charge for the entire industry.
“They actually did the research, they presented. We’re using their research. Leading the way not just for themselves, but for the industry,” he said.
Addressing the intense public scrutiny surrounding the ongoing trials, Aquino highlighted the importance of taking the responsibility seriously while staying grounded.
“Impeachment, which is high pressure, high politics. Everyone has got to comment on every single thing. Mamali lang yung kamay mo, may komento ka na. I think everybody wants to speed up the process. We’re hoping that this can be finished by the end of the year,” he said.
Aquino remains hopeful and viewing the heavy workload not as a burden but as an extraordinary opportunity to deliver transparent governance and champion the needs of every Filipino talent on the world stage.
