Illegal and Monopolistic PLDT-Digitel Merger

In correlation to the issue about PLDT-Digitel Merger, section 19, Art. XII of the 1987 Constitution states: “The State shall regulate or prohibit monopolies when the public interest so requires. No combinations in restraint of trade or unfair competition shall be allowed.”. Essentially the same provisions can be found in the franchises of PLDT, RA 7082 renewed in 1991, Globe Telecom RA 7229 granted in 1992, and Smart Communications RA 7294 also in 1992. This provision was also reiterated in the franchise granted by Congress in 2002 to Digitel Mobile Philippines, Inc., which owns Sun Cellular. Under the said franchises, Digitel, PLDT and Globe – the top three telecommunications companies – are required to get congressional approval before any lease, transfer, grant of usufruct, sale, and transfer of rights and privileges of their franchise.

First thing’s first. The merger is illegal because such a buyout or swap and share deal, whatever you call it, requires congressional approval. This is explicit in Digitel’s and Digitel Mobile’s franchises. Proponents of the merger say congressional approval of such mergers and acquisitions have already been waived by virtue of the 1995 Public Telecommunications Policy Act (RA 7925), which ensures equality of treatment for franchise holders. Now that were the words from Bayan Muna Representative Teddy A. Casino. Why do you think the Congress did such provisions? Will this help us in our queries?

Senate finds the PLDT-Digitel merger OK!!!

“We didn’t find any violation on the part of Digitel and PLDT. We’re leaving it up to the NTC to decide the legality and other issues like frequency,” the Inquirer.net quotes Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr., chair of the public services committee, as saying. Revilla said that both the Digitel and PLDT had separate franchises and thus do not need congress approval for their deal. This issue therefore is up to our regulatory friend, the National Telecommunications Commission, for approval. Interesting.

Last March, the PLDT announced that it would acquire a majority stake of Digitel. Of course the deal, as many of us knew, was being questioned by a lot of parties, including Globe Telecom. Last month, a hearing occurred about this pathetic issue. Since the hearing is far from reality, the NTC, our friend, is at least doing their job with regard to this controversy. Does the senate care for us, consumers? No? Why? Corruption? Really?

Disputes Over Spratly Islands!!!

The Spratly Islands are a group of more than 700 islands, islets, reefs, atolls, and cays in the West Philippine Sea. The archipelago lies off the coasts of our dearest motherland, the Philippines, of Malaysia, and some part to Vietnam. But there is a territorial dispute over the ownership of not all, some of the Spratly Islands. The People's Republic of China, Republic of China (Taiwan), Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines are the states who stake claims to these islands.

The Philippines made their first claim in the area, which they refer to as Kalayan islands in 1975. The Philippines history over this islands began in May 1956 when a private Philippine expedition surveyed and occupied some of the islands, which are then uninhabited. Other claimants such as China, Taiwan, and Brunei based their claims over some documents. What are your views over this popular issue?

12-Year Basic Education Cycle!!!

I welcome all the freshmen students of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University. As you choose this Jesuit institution who promotes spirituality, excellence and citizenship, it is more likely of choosing to be a man and woman for others. I welcome also the old students, transferees, staff, and faculty. Moving on to some education issues of our country, the president of the philippines, tito pnoy, as all of us might know suggested some months ago the 12-year basic education cycle. This means adding two years from our current basic education program.

The suggested new program of our president was seconded by our department of education secretary, Bro. Armin Luistro, a former president of the La Salle. The K + 12, as the program called by many, have been opposed by many groups, including Fr. Bienvenido Nebres, a former president of the Ateneo de Manila University. Do you think our country is ready for this K + 12 program? Why?