Rizal Hall, Malacañan Palace
March 21, 2022
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11659 or ‘An Act Amending Commonwealth Act No. 146 otherwise known as the Public Service Act’ in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall in Malacañan Palace.
In his keynote address, the President conveyed his appreciation to the Senate and House of Representatives for the timely ratification of the amendment to the Public Service Act (PSA) as this will aid the nation towards economic recovery amid the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
“I believe that through this Law, the easing out of foreign equity restrictions will attract more global investors, modernize several sectors of public service and improve the delivery of essential services. Indeed, the enactment of this amended Law, as well as the amended Foreign Investments Act, shall help stimulate the economy, especially for local businesses. It is also expected to generate more jobs for Filipinos, improve basic services for Filipino consumers, and allow for the exchange of skills and technology with the country’s foreign partners,” President Duterte said.
The newly signed Law would effectively open up to 100% foreign equity across economic sectors except in the transmission and distribution of electricity, water and pipeline sewerage, seaports, petroleum pipeline, and public utility vehicles (PUVs).
Apart from the ceremonial signing, President Duterte led the ceremonial presentation of various enacted laws namely, Republic Act No. 11647 (Amendments to the Foreign Investment Act), Republic Act No. 11650 (Instituting Policy and Services for Learners with Disabilities in Support of Inclusive Education Act), and Republic Act No. 11648 (Increasing the Age for Determining the Commission of Statutory Rape).
“The newly enacted Law on services for learners – ito maganda ito – with disabilities also attests to the Administration’s commitment to provide inclusive, accessible, and quality education in the country, especially for learners with disabilities. The establishments of formal school systems, including the implementation of alternative delivery modes, and at least one Inclusive Learning Resource Center in all cities and municipalities will surely make learning fun and accessible to the differently-abled. I also want to emphasize that the enactment of the policy increasing the age for statutory rape demonstrates the Administration’s dedication in building safer communities for its people by providing [protection] for the children, among others,” the President added.
The Chief Executive noted that it is not enough to just amend and sign laws, but it is important that all concerned agencies ensure that these laws are fully and efficiently implemented.
“As my term will soon come to a close, I challenge all of you – our leaders both at the national and local levels as well as all civil servants who are involved in governance – to work together in ensuring that we strictly uphold the rule of law. Let us all be vigilant and make sure that no one is above the law and that no Filipino will be left behind as we move forward to a much better Philippines,” President Duterte states.
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