INTRODUCTION
The bills that we sign today have tremendous national and local significance, especially to the common tao whose lot we continually strive to improve. Therefore, let me congratulate and thank all the legislators responsible for the passage into law of the bills we sign today.
TAX-FREE BONUS TO BENEFIT THE COMMON MAN
The 13th month pay and other bonuses and cash gifts provided by Republic Act 6686, Presidential Decree No. 851, as amended, and other benefits are now tax exempt through Republic Act No. 7833, provided that such bonuses do not exceed a total of p30,000.00. This landmark legislation has been speedily passed by both houses of Congress so that those who can benefit can avail of it effective 1994.

We are all fully cognizant of how a few hundred pesos more can mean, especially at Christmastime, to the low-salaried employees who comprise the bulk of the beneficiaries of this law. A thousand pesos can be a big difference to a family at the poverty level.

This law has been passed not without a loss to government in terms of substantial tax revenues.

However, the greater rationale for this law is not that the loss can be made up for by other taxes generated by an expanded economy, but that our government officials have brought joy to an estimated 16 million Filipinos — 1.4 million government workers and 14.6 private sector employees. Roughly 25% of our total population, therefore, are direct recipients of this law.
ANTI-ELECTRICITY PILFERAGE LAW
The Anti-Pilferage Law (RA 7832) was drawn up to address one of the basic factors that hampered the development of the energy sector: pilferage of electricity.

Through sheer determination, we had attained a certain measure of stability in our electricity supply starting this year. But this has only been a partial victory for us. Our long-term power stability lies in our efficiency in addressing existing operational problems in the industry, foremost of which is reducing or eliminating power systems losses.

A large percentage of systems losses is attributed to theft and pilferage. The passage of a tougher anti-pilferage law, therefore, has long been in order.

Let us recognize the contributions of all those who have persistently worked for the passage of this law. Once more, we affirm the excellent collaboration between the executive and legislative branches and the full support of the private sector. I call on the energy-consuming public to support this and other measures designed to meet our power needs now and in the future.
PASIG: A GROWING METROPOLIS
We also sign today the formal recognition of the municipality of Pasig as a bustling economy that deserves city status.

What is remarkable about this transformation, though, is the provision that ensures that there be no increase in local taxes for a period of five years. This should also put to rest the apprehensions of some residents concerning this change of status. As we continue to experience economic growth, Pasig will surely continue to have its fair inflow of trade and investments.

What we would like to see also in Pasig is that it will retain its historical ambiance and be more active in our environmental protection campaigns, especially in cleaning up the Pasig River, for its very name is also at stake.

Ladies and gentlemen, let us welcome the birth of the 63rd and newest city of our country.
PALAWAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Of national significance also, although its immediate impact is local, is Republic Act No. 7818 creating the Palawan State University out of the Palawan State College. In pursuit of our Social Reform Agenda (SRA), countryside development, the policy of “education for all”, and the upgrading of higher education, we have taken one further step to address these goals through the creation of the Palawan State University.

The province of Palawan, composed of 1,780 islands and islets, is physically isolated from metro manila and its educational centers. It has thus been at a great sacrifice for the residents of Palawan to send their children to higher institutions of learning. This new state university constitutes a better alternative in educational opportunities for the people of Palawan and neighboring communities. As such, it will not only hasten the development of the region but also help produce more professionals who will contribute to the nation’s progress.

Let me also congratulate the Associated Broadcasting Company (ABC) which operates channel 5 and several radio stations, for its renewed franchise under RA 7831. By this franchise, our people are not only afforded additional information and entertainment networks but we have also affirmed once more that freedom of expression, once stymied during the martial law years, is well and alive and is continually nurtured in this government.

I also congratulate the sponsors of the St. Anthony Hospital, created under RA 7830, for responding speedily to the need, particularly of the people of Cebu City, for better access to health facilities.
CLOSING
I thank both chambers of congress in general for their unfailing support for our vision of a better life for our people, as expressed in this recent yield of new laws just before the holiday season.

I would like to single out the principal authors/sponsors of all the laws we have signed today: Representatives Alfredo Abueg and David Ponce de Leon and Senator Leticia Shahani for RA 7818 (Palawan State University); Representative Rufino Javier and Senator Vicente sotto III for RA 7829 (Pasig City); Representative Antonio Cuenca and Senator Freddie Webb for RA 7830 (St. Anthony Hospital); Representative Tessie Aquino-Oreta and Senator John Osmeña for RA 7831 (ABC-Channel 5); Representative Dante Tinga and Senator John Osmeña for RA 7832 (Anti-Pilferage); and Representative Exequiel Javier and Senator Alberto Romulo for RA 7833 (Tax-Exempt Bonus).

On behalf of our people, I thank you all most sincerely for your continued support and teamwork, and for ensuring that many of our countrymen will enjoy a truly merry Christmas and a prosperous year ahead.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!