IT TOOK a strong-willed chief of state to break open an industry lorded over for so long by two telecom giants-Smart (PLDT) and Globe (Ayala).
President Duterte saw the need for a healthy competition in the telecommunications industry and so he welcomed the entry of China, one with huge capital, advanced technology and manpower complement, becoming therefore the third telco carrier in the Philippines.
Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aquino however suggested that more countries should be allowed in the competition like Japan and South Korea and said that the letter have expressed in joining the Philippine telco business.
Presently, the country's internet users complain of the slow speed of the internet service and the accompanying high cost. Compared to other countries like Singapore, the Philippines has a dismal internet performance record.
The move by President Duterte allowing the entry of China and, hopefully, Japan and South Korea into the country's telco business will surely improve the present internet service in the country and the internet service providers will be jolted into action.
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It's good that the ax finally fell on former Aquino administration officials following ex-president Benigno Aquino who was earlier charged of plunder and usurpation of authority over the Mamasapano massacre.
These former officials were charged for the maintenance deal the government entered with BURI which was deemed inexperienced to talk on the maintenance contract of the trouble-laden MRT trains.
The residents-commuters of Metro Manila deserve a respite from their daily ordeal of lining up for hours to get a ride at MRT stations. The inconvenience they suffer is ruthless and inhuman.
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SM City Clark continues to provide wholesome night time entertainment with its annual Pyro Fest held at the Meeting Place on November 17-18 and November 24-25, 2017.
People from as far as San Fernando and Nueva Ecija and some foreigners came to witness the spectacle, undoubtedly world-class in its presentation.
I hope this tradition continues in the coming years!
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PESO Mabalacat City proceeds with its calendar of trainings with Solar Lamp course and Masonry being handled by MCA Kin Builders, operated by Carlos Ang and Engr. Mye Sumastre. Additionally, Dannie San Pedro of Ace Computer Institute was engaged to handle basic computer literacy and computer hardware servicing, courses which have been previously satisfactorily handled by Mr. San Pedro.
With these, PESO Mabalacat City, now headed by Bernard B. delos Reyes, is about to complete its programs, projects and activities for 2017.