Where's the monopoly?

Critics of the PLDT-Digitel merger are probably obsessed with the game of Monopoly, seeing gloom and doom scenarios of market domination in the business deal. In the first place, the term implies the existence of only “one” entity but as everyone knows, Globe has become a strong player over the years. Add to that the emergence of Ramon Ang’s Liberty Telecoms as another powerful player which could only augur well for the industry in terms of competition. RSA in fact haled the merger and described it as something that would be “good for the industry.”

As many are beginning to realize, the purchase of the Gokongwei-owned telecoms entity is really similar to the Globe-Islacom merger in 2001 using a share-swap transaction that turned the latter into a wholly-owned Globe subsidiary – now known by its subscribers as Touch Mobile. During that time, the merger only required the approval of the National Telecommunications Commission, not Congress.

In any case, those who watched last Tuesday’s Senate hearing were amused at the seeming tit-for-tat between the competing telecoms companies, with one virtually accusing the other of being a sore loser and acting like a pot calling the kettle black. As for the anti-trust issue, a lot of observers noted that the country does not have any laws regarding anti-trust and so therefore, the disputed merger did not break any laws in that regard.

The fact of the matter is, the masses – specifically Sun Cellular subscribers – don’t care so much about anti-trust and other esoteric legal terms. What they want is an assurance that buyouts, mergers and other business deals will not jeopardize their subscriptions and most importantly, will not result in the cancellation of the low-priced “unli” text and call promos offered by Sun. As PLDT director Rey Espinosa pointed out, the “unli” services will surely continue for the simple fact that if they do not offer it, someone else will.

Considering the public commitment already made by PLDT chairman Manny Pangilinan about keeping the Sun brand and making the low-cost operations sustainable, subscribers should have nothing to worry about – an assurance echoed by Lance Gokongwei who said the transaction would be beneficial to the current 15 million Sun users since it ensures them of a bigger network.

NBI’s ‘unclear’ bidding

Since the early ’70s during the time of the late Jolly Bugarin, Raffy “Mr. Computer” Garcia’s Mega Data Corporation has been servicing the computerization of the National Bureau of Investigation with impressive results that have resulted in the fast issuance of clearances and the de-clogging of the Taft Avenue main office. Those who are old enough remember those days when people had to troop to Manila or the nearest regional office to apply for a clearance which took so long to obtain – a problem that Mega Data solved by opening up satellite offices and clearance centers in malls, city halls and other areas nationwide.

Among the most notable innovations was the development of a clearance accompanied by a photo (so successful it was reportedly adopted even by the US Embassy and others) which did away with the problem of fixers who would apply in place of real applicants – because the fixer’s photo would appear on the clearance instead of the real applicant’s. Over the years, a lot of other innovations have been developed like the Clearance on Wheels, the Renewal Card that stored data including facial and biometric details which was very useful especially for people with “criminal” namesakes.

Mega Data’s contract is expiring this June 30 so naturally a new bidding will be required. But according to sources, it seems the scene is being set for a third party to come in under the guise of an emergency purchase to take over the project without the benefit of any bidding. Considering the numerous innovations and the investments that Garcia’s company has invested in making NBI services very efficient and hassle free, the public has to be assured that anyone taking over should have a system that approximates Mega Data’s - if not much better – to ensure the integrity of clearances being issued by the NBI. Perhaps Senator Ping Lacson who has been pushing for a national ID system should inquire from his former underling Director Magtanggol Gatdula what’s going on.

It’s the season of intrigues

With the one year lapse on appointments now over, the season for sowing intrigues is on especially from those eyeing juicy government positions. First on the crosshairs was Mar Roxas who, despite intense intrigue and opposition, continues to maintain the trust and confidence of P-Noy. Next came Customs Commissioner Lito Alvarez who manages to keep afloat despite mounting efforts to have him ousted from his position. Unfortunately, the latest casualty is DOTC Secretary Ping de Jesus whose resignation was confirmed by USec Dante Velasco yesterday after repeated denials to the contrary. A lot of people know Ping to be one of the most honest officials in P-Noy’s Cabinet, but he reportedly resigned due to intense intrigues. Ping supposedly told close friends, “I’m too old for this... it’s not worth my health.”

Spy tidbits

– One of the political leaders in Tarlac confirmed to Spy Bits that Kris Aquino has been given the go signal by her brother to run for governor of Tarlac in 2013. Could this be in preparation for a higher office come 2016 – like a “Binay-Aquino” ticket?

– La Sallite Manny Blanco sent us an email to dispel misconceptions going around that the “Proudly Green” event slated this June 11 at the SMX convention Center at the Mall of Asia is only for La Salle Taft alumni. According to Manny, students and relatives from all La Salle schools, and even former La Salle students who finished or went to “the other school,” are invited to attend the event.

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