there are no existing consumer complaints about the service and performance of DotPH that have not already been addressed and resolved.

We have serious concerns about suggestions that there be a quasi-governmental body to regulate the Domain Industry. We feel that such a move can have serious drawbacks for the ISP Community, in fact for everyone who does business on the Internet. 

1. If an entity with the power to regulate prices and impose restraints on the domain industry is set-up, then what is stopping this body doing the same for ISPs? If Domains are "essential" to the well-being of the Philippines, and thus worthy of regulation, then the same argument can be applied to all Internet Service Providers.

2. If an entity is set up to regulate Domain Prices, then what is stopping this body from putting a cap on an ISP's retail prices for domains (both COM and PH)? This could adversely affect the bottom line of most ISPs. 

3. If an entity is set up to regulate Domains, then what is stopping this body from instructing DotPH and DotCOM Resellers to shut down websites that are "undesirable" to the current government, or to the members of this quasi-governmental entity? (Note that all Domain Resellers, both COM and PH, will be subject to the authority of this entity). 

4. Regulatory bodies have a way of taking on a life of their own, and like an inert gas, will naturally expand (their powers) in the absence of any pressure. 

As ISPs we are primarily self-regulated, and our bottom-line is dependent on our ability to respond to the demands of the market. Additional regulation will only constrain and limit that ability and actually poses a very real threat to our survival. If you oppose additional regulation of the Internet Industry, please do take the time to sign the attached petition.

If you have any questions about this petition, please do not hesitate to contact me at 637-2104 or 637-2105. My email address is jed@email.com.ph.

Sincerely,


J. Emmanuel Disini
EMC



To: Dennis Deveza
JED Domingo
ITECC 



With regards to the petition filed requesting the formation of a body with authority to regulate the Domain Industry, we would like to say that, in principle, we prefer to have free market forces dictate the services and pricing of any Internet Industry, including Domain Names, rather than create a regulatory body that may potentially hamper the growth of that Industry. 

We believe that free market forces, already at work in the Industry, are the ultimate arbiters in determining that Quality services are delivered to the Public at the best possible Value. 

We believe that setting up a regulatory body to control the prices and services of the Domain Industry is a step in the wrong direction. We are also concerned about how the role of this body may later be expanded to include other Internet Industries, including ISPs, in the future. 


Signed: 



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