INTRODUCTION
Since February 14th, we had signed into law 29 bills of national importance and application, 14 local bills of nation-wide significance — new laws that will bring us closer to our goal of economic, social and political modernization.

Today’s new laws are as important as the previous ones as they help provide the legal framework of our structural economic, social and political reforms which reinforce the foundations of our sustainable growth and prosperity.
UPDATING THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS LAW
First of these bills today is the Telecommunications Act of 1995 which is essential both to our economic development and our credibility as an aspirant for NIC-hood. This new law updates the obsolete public services act of the commonwealth period — before faxes, cellular phones, computers, inter-nets and e-mail were even imagined.

This law represents the common recognition by both the executive and legislative branches and the private sector of the vital role that the telecommunications sector plays in the growth of nations. Our new telecom law reflects our aspirations to access to the 21st century in a participative and competitive manner under a policy environment that supports state-of-the-art technology and opens the Philippines to the global information highway.

Among the fundamental measures that we have put in place in this administration is the liberalization, democratization and privatization of old monopolies and favored industries which, through protectionism, had become unresponsive to public needs. This law expands the privatization and liberalization of the telecommunications industry, started in 1993 through the issuance of executive order numbers 59 and 109 that mandated, respectively, the interconnections of all telecommunications companies and the improvement of local exchanges.

This new law seeks to privatize all state-owned and state-operated telecommunications facilities within three years, thus returning to the private sector the lead role in developing telecommunications.

Likewise, this law promotes public ownership of regulated telecom companies through offerings in the stock market. But apart from the macro side, this law also promotes the interests of the individual telephone user by requiring telecom companies to provide telephone connections within two months of application for service.

We also add to the peace of mind of individuals who can now enjoy the benefits of transacting with banks nationwide through automated teller machines, parents in the provinces can now be assured that their children studying in Manila receive their school money on time. Indeed, industries and individuals are both beneficiaries and winners from the new telecommunications law.
MMDA AND MUNTINLUPA CITY
The creation of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is likewise another important step in our structural reforms, this time in administrative restructuring.

MMDA responds to the special problems of our country’s largest region, the National Capital Region. The perennial problems of urban congestion, environmental pollution, traffic management, utility services, waste disposal and inter-operability of infrastructure will be addressed much more effectively with this new law.

Despite the special focus that the MMDA will provide on the NCR, the rest of the nation is assured that development opportunities will not be poured solely upon Metro Manila. The law provides that MMDA must submit to the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) its development plans and investment programs so that these can be integrated and harmonized with all other regional plans as embodied in the Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan.

MMDA will draw up a master plan that will serve as the framework for the region-wide development of its component local government units. The plan should provide for the region’s institutional linkages with its neighbors, Regions III and IV. With this integrated approach to development, the people of the National Capital Region can look forward to a better quality of life in a comprehensively-planned area where public services are given highest priority.

Muntinlupa’s change of status, on the other hand, attests to the expansion of growth and development of Metro Manila. Through the dedicated efforts of its officials and residents, and an equally driven private business sector, this erstwhile sleepy municipality at the fringes of development has been transformed into a bustling metropolis in the last few years.

I felicitate the people of this newest city of the Philippines and urge all Muntinlupa residents to be actively involved in developing it into the city of their dreams.
LOCAL LAWS
We also sign into law today fourteen (14) local bills which, collectively, contribute significantly to our efforts to build a better life for all, particularly through better educational opportunities.

I congratulate the people of the provinces where these collegiate level schools have been created:

* The Agusan State College of Agriculture and Technology in Agusan del Sur;

* The Adiong Polytechnic College in Lanao del sur;

* The Ramiro Training and Teaching Hospital in Misamis Occidental;

* The Victoriano Salcedo Polytechnic College in Iloilo;

* The Romblon College of Science and fisheries Technology in Romblon;

* The Southern Leyte State College of Science and Technology as well as the Southern Leyte Institute of Agriculture and Technology both in Southern Leyte;

* The San Francisco institute of Science and Technology in Albay;

* The Batanes Polytechnic College in Batanes;

* The Puerto Princesa School for Philippine Craftsmen in Palawan which has been elevated to collegiate status; and,

* The Rizal Polytechnic College in Rizal.

I am delighted that these schools will focus more on science and technology which we urgently need for development.

I also congratulate the people of Northern Mindanao, particularly those from Misamis Oriental, who have gained better opportunities to improve their health through the newly created Northern Mindanao Medical Center at Cagayan de Oro City.

Likewise, my felicitations to island country communications and the satellite paging system for being the first telecom franchise holders after the passage of the brand-new Telecommunications Law.
CLOSING
The EDSA Revolution, whose 9th anniversary we celebrated last week, was the source of a new hope for our people, a hope that we, the public officials, must continue to concretize through just laws, fair policies and effective implementation.

Nine years after our People Power Revolution, the nation is steadily and surely moving towards enduring peace, justice and sustainable growth. Our enlightened policies and direction will enable every Filipino to stand tall before the world and proudly declare his citizenship.

The national laws passed by Congress in just two months — now totaling 29 — are truly landmarks of legislation. There have been, also some 300 local bills enacted during this period — which spread and insure countryside development.

The members of the 9th congress, can rightfully claim the credit for establishing the solid foundations for a more peaceful and prosperous Philippines. In these last days of the 9th Congress, our senators and representatives have managed to pass laws worthy of the aspirations of our nation.

I heartily thank congress for agreeing to extend its sessions so that other important bills, such as the ones we have today, may be enacted. I am sure our people are just as pleased as i am to know of the sacrifices you have made.

I congratulate all the authors and co-authors, sponsors and co-sponsors, and all legislators who have contributed to the speedy passage of these new laws.

We commend the leaders of both houses — Senate President Edgardo Angara of the Senate and Speaker Jose de Venecia of the House of Representatives — for persevering to make their respective houses models of productive legislative activity.

Most of all, I commend all of you, our distinguished legislators who, by your continuing faith, have demonstrated how political will can be actualized into far-seeing legislative policies that ensure the success of our economic and social reform programs which, in turn, prepare us for global competitiveness and a better future.

Maraming salamat at mabuhay!