SB19 and Bam Aquino Are Pushing for Better Support for Filipino Artists Globally

Senator Bam Aquino and P-pop group SB19 are in talks to create a bill for the Filipino creative industry. Last September 28, SB19 was recognized by and invited to the Senate for a Senate resolution for their historic Lollapalooza live debut back in July. 

Aquino is working closely with the group to establish an agency under the Department of Trade and Industry to protect Filipino artists working abroad and promote Philippine artistry and culture internationally. On the same day they went to the Senate, SB19 went live on Facebook and TikTokTikTokA social media platform for creating, sharing, and discovering short-form videos, featuring music, trends, challenges, and personalized content.Go to TikTok Glossary to give further details of the bill.

SB19 member Josh Cullen is hoping for Republic Act No. 11904, also known as the Philippine Creative Industries Act, which lapsed into law in July 2022, to be revised to also cover traveling Filipino creatives. 

“Whether you’re an actor, filmmaker, behind the scenes, you should be considered as one of the gems of this country kase you’re trying to put out your experiences and creativity sa boung mundo,” Cullen says. “Isinusulong ang bill na ‘to kase siyempre for visa requirements na kahit papano, depende kung ano ‘yung nire-represent natin, pero at least it’s something na may impact na meron din nagawa o matulungan.”

Aquino details how they were able to discuss with SB19 establishing an agency that is similar to the Korean Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), a government institution that supports creative industries based in South Korea.

“In the Philippines, if you’re an artist and you’re gonna fly, you’re on your own,” Aquino says. “The good news here is that we’re filing the bill soon. We have support from the [Department of Trade and Industry] and once it’s done, we will have a Philippine agency for our creative economy which will support our artists who are going abroad.”

The name of the bill and its exact formal filing have yet to be announced. SB19’s single “VISA” was based on their firsthand experience applying for travel visas during their global tour performances, which included their historic stint at Lollapalooza.

Elijah Pareño

Music Writer

Elijah Pareño is the Music Writer of Rolling Stone Philippines. He writes daily music news, features, reviews, and radar stories of the website.

In addition to music writing, Pareño has written about the behind-the-scenes writers and producers from the P-pop scene, interviewed hip-hop artists like Shanti Dope and Zae, and featured up-and-coming artists for the Music Forecast 2026. Aside from music, Pareño has written about the state of affairs that affects pop culture. He wrote a movie review for 'Mortal Kombat II' and reported and interviewed photojournalists at the September 21, 2025 protests in Luneta and Mendiola.

Prior to working in Rolling Stone Philippines, Pareño was a freelance writer for 3 years and independent live music promoter

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• In This Article:
• Bam Aquino
• SB19