Speech of Minister Dickson P. Hermoso During the Public Consultation on Illegal Repeaters in Marawi City Conducted by the Committee on Transportation and Communications at the New Capitol Complex, Marawi City on June 30, 2022

My greetings and respects to everyone.

I would like to thank the Chairperson of the Committee on Transportation and Communications of the BTA Parliament, MP Professor Eddie Alih, and the principal author of the Resolution directing the conduct of this investigation and consultation, MP Atty. Maisara Dandamun-Latiph, and MP Musa Diamla. I also extend my greetings and respects to Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal “Bobit” Adiong, Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra, and all the dignitaries and participants in today’s consultation in aid of legislation on the alleged proliferation of the use of illegal repeaters (signal boosters) in Marawi City.

I'm sending my sincere apologies to the Parliament and the resource persons and participants for my absence today. I would have gladly attended today’s consultation if not for the directive of the Chief Minister to all the Cabinet Members to be with him in Cotabato City today.

Nonetheless, I have made sure that MOTC will be ably represented by sending some of my most able colleagues in the Ministry, namely: Charlito Manlupig, our senior consultant who will read my message; Electronic Engr. Abdul Nasser Bangcola, our ICT Consultant; Muhammad Ameen Abbas, Commissioner, Bangsamoro Telecommunication Commission (BTC); Engr. Omar Marzoc, Engr V, (BTC) and Engr. Jordan Juanday, Engr III, (BTC).

On behalf of MOTC, I commit to abide by and help pursue whatever decisions or plans that may result from this consultation.

Finally, I take this opportunity to sincerely thank the Parliament’s Committee on Transportation and Communications, led by its Chairman, MP Prof. Eddie Alih, for the guidance and support you have been providing MOTC and its seven agencies.

I wish you a fruitful and successful consultation.

Thank you and good day.
Wassalam