My most cordial felicitations to the Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC) for its continuing commitment to the cause of human enlightenment and progress, as well as to the harmonious solidarity of the members of the working press and the broadcast media, and other observers of our national scene.

I am particularly pleased to greet the MOPC on the occasion of its President’s Night. This an annual affair that affords the President of the Philippines not only a welcome respite from the exacting demands of his office, but also an opportunity to exchange views with MOPC members on the crucial issues of our times. Then, as now, the President’s Night has been observed in an atmosphere of candor, civility and good fellowship.

The MOPC, I am happy to note, is one organization that truly represents the mood and temper of the times. The nature of our democracy as an open and transparent society requires the presence of an active association like the MOPC which has continuously sought to broaden our understanding of the workings of our society, scrutinize the dynamics of public governance and widen the arena of public debate.

Mabuhay MOPC 2000!!!