Thank you very much Secretary Ermita.

Vice-President De Castro; other members of the Cabinet; Speaker Nograles; other officials of both Houses of Congress especially the authors and sponsors. And I’d like to recognize those in the head table. On the part of the Senate, Senator Ponce-Enrile, the principal author and sponsor and Chairman of the Committee on Public Services; (Applause) Senator Angara, principal author; (Applause) Senator Zubiri, co-sponsor. (Applause) on the part of the House aside from Speaker Nograles, I’d like to acknowledge Deputy Speaker Raul Del Mar, (Applause) Deputy Speaker Villarosa, (Applause) Majority Leader Defensor; (Applause) Congressman Puentevella, principal author and sponsor and Chairman of the Committee on Transportation; (Applause) Congressman Angara, principal author; (Applause) Congressman Zamora, principal author; (Applause) Congressman Edcel Lagman. Members of the diplomatic corps; representatives of the air transport and airline industries; other government officials; ladies and gentlemen.

Una sa lahat, salamat sa Kongreso sa pagpasa ng Civil Aviation Authority Act na ating lalagdaan ngayon. Magandang tanda ito para sa bayan at sa mundo na patuloy ang pamahalaan sa paglilingkod sa tao at pagsusulong ng kinakailangang reporma tungo sa mas mahusay na pamamahala.

Salamat sa bagong batas na lilikha ng Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, magiging mas ligtas ang mga biyahe sa eroplano, at mawawalang sagabal sa paglago ng turismo at investment na lumilikha ng daan-daang libong trabaho para sa bayan o milyung-milyon pa nga. Ito ang ating mga pakay noong hiniling sa State of the Nation Address na maging batas ito. At nagagalak tayo sa pagtuon ng ating mga mambabatas sa ating panawagan.

Today’s enactment of the Civil Aviation Authority Law is an opportune time to underscore the immense value of the rule of law. The rule of law is the foundation and protection of every citizen’s rights of peace and order in society, and of confidence in our country among investors in the Philippines and around the world. This is indispensable in attracting investment and jobs for our people.

Later on, we will in the cabinet meeting discuss the international law of the seas and the filing of the Philippine claim over resource areas within our exclusive economic zone. Through this claim, we shall advance the rights and interests of our nation in harnessing these rich resources. We appreciate that former Secretary of Justice Estelito Mendoza has lent his unrivaled expertise in this field to help strengthen the Philippine claim on this very valuable portion of our national patrimony.

Tunay naman dapat mangibabaw ang batas at bayan kaysa sa pulitika. Pagtupad sa batas ang panata ng bawat pinunong halal at opisyal na hinirang. Ito ang ating gagawin kahit hindi muna maunawaan ng marami lalo na kahit bigyan pa ng masamang kulay ng mga namumulitika.

That’s why we uphold the principle of due process in investigating and adjudicating criminal allegations against any citizen. No one’s rights must be sacrificed just to spare government leaders from the ire of protesters and the fire of politicians.

Susunod ako sa Saligang Batas at sa sarili kong nais na bumaba sa pwesto sa pagwakas ng termino sa 2010. Pero hanggang sa araw na yon, magsisikap tayo sa pagsulong sa mga reporma upang maiwan natin nang matipuno ang bansa sa susunod na pinuno. (Applause)

In the Philippines, there is and there shall continue to be due process, rule of law, and utmost respect for the constitution. This is my pledge as President and Commander-in-Chief.

Thank you. (Applause)