INTRODUCTION
The Philippines is blessed to be the site of Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), from where the message of god’s love to the peoples of Asia-Pacific is transmitted. Today, the government of the Republic of the Philippines strengthens this role by awarding Radio Veritas a franchise allowing it to continue its Radio Apostolate in Asia for an indefinite period.
A GIFT TO HIS HOLINESS, POPE JOHN PAUL II
In grateful recognition of what RVA has meant to the Filipino faithful and to Philippine contemporary history, our congress has granted RVA a franchise to operate under Republic Act 7847 that it may continue with its mission of bringing truth, peace and harmony not only in our beloved land, the Philippines, but in the whole of Asia.

We would like to acknowledge the efforts of Congress and other officials, especially those of the Speaker of the House of Representatives Jose de Venecia, Jr. who authored the bill; of Senate President Edgardo Angara whose unfailing support led to the expeditious passage of the bill; and of Executive Secretary Teofisto Guingona, Jr. who coordinated, for the Cabinet, the immediate enactment of this new law.

With this approved legislative measure, RVA’s Apostolate to Asia shall now continue unimpeded and enhanced.

All these validate the viability and efficacy of the work of Radio Veritas.

It concretizes the solidarity binding the Philippine government and the Catholic church in their collective effort to promote, with others, the spiritual as well as physical well-being of the peoples of our part of the world.

This instrument we offer as a gift to our guest, our phenomenal guest, his Holiness, Pope John Paul II, on his second visit to the Philippines.

In awarding this franchise, the Philippine government pays tribute to his Holiness’ oft-repeated exhortation to religious leaders and media practitioners to put their profession at the service of evangelization and human development.

Indeed, the Holy Bible’s admonition to all Christians is: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
RADIO VERITAS TO THE FILIPINOS
The franchise also expresses the grateful acknowledgment of the decisive and historic role that Radio Veritas played in our peaceful EDSA People Power Revolution of February, 1986.

In those final four days of the dictatorship, it was only radio veritas, which found a way to broadcast freely, although at great risk, that provided a truthful account of what was happening. Radio Veritas — thru the voice of Cardinal Sin — summoned and emboldened our people to come out by the hundreds of thousands to make their historic stand for freedom and democracy.

Today, seeking to be part of the whole development process in the Asia-Pacific region, RVA continues to be the “missionary of Asia”, proclaiming not only God’s word, but also broadcasting the ways to development through its programs on the family, on health, livelihood, community development, culture and public affairs.

Our people at home and those who toil abroad, profoundly benefit from the broadcast services of this internationally respected institution.

Through Radio Veritas, Filipino workers dispersed in the Middle East, East Asia, Europe, North America and other parts of the globe — whom we consider our modern-day heroes — are provided with the means to constantly hear god’s word, as well as given the opportunities to practice a fulfilling life.

On this occasion, let me also thank radio veritas for making me what you may call a regular — but unpaid volunteer — RVA “talent” for almost three years now.

RVA’s Pilipino Services weekly program, “FVR Meets the Press”, has kept our overseas workers and other Filipinos residing abroad abreast of our government’s reform programs, of our efforts to foster greater political unity, and of our social pact for empowered human development.

Our own governmental and non-governmental endeavors to achieve shared goals for socio-economic development and the improvement of the quality of life have been massively reinforced by RVA’s broadcasting activities.
CLOSING
Being one of the most effective institutional missionaries in Asia, RVA performs a vital role in the advocacy of the spiritual awakening and transformation the world needs today.

Indeed, the Filipino people are proud and feel deeply privileged to play such an important part of God’s mission on Earth.

Mabuhay ang Radio Veritas Asia!

Mabuhay ang Santo Papa!

Mabuhay ang lahat ng kabataan!

Mabuhay ang Republika ng Pilipinas!