The Philippine blogosphere is currently abuzz with a certain news report from The Manila Times (which is not available online). Apparently, the National Telecommunications Commission wants all Philippine Web site owners and bloggers to register.

The justification is rather convoluted, and its logic, astounding in its absurdity. This is not surprising, coming from the same agency that threatened to close down TV stations during the lifetime of Presidential Proclamation 1017.

I should not even comment on this issue, as MLQ3 points out, it might be a trial balloon (or the idea as revenue-generator). Besides, other bloggers of greater and more credible stature had already weighed down on this non-issue. However, there are two points that I do want to expound on.

The first one centers on the comments/reactions of some quarters pointing out the technical complexity of such registration. This is a dangerous exposition of laxity. The presence of such complexity is beside the point. Technical complexities CAN BE OVERCOME by determination, enough resources, and capable talent. It can be done. By a group of people who are very determined to do so. Using any means possible.

The second one is on that draft circular in question. On its face, it’s really centered on telcos’ value added services. There should be no concern at all, you might say. However, the statement by NTC’s Edgardo Cabarrios, plus the use of the word etc in certain provisions of that circular, make the circular dangerous. There’s nothing wrong with registration per se. The money quoted in the circular is rather stiff for non-corporations. The problem is how the government will use the data gathered in the registration. (Et cetera can mean a lot of things; in simplest terms, EVERYTHING NOT MENTIONED.)

There are constitutional and legal aspects on this issue, but they are better left to the lawyers.

This might be just a much ado about nothing. But it is better to err on the side of caution than to err on the side of ignorance. Or apathy.

References:

Philippine Telco Board Wants Sites to Register!
Pinoy Bloggers in Uproar over potential NTC meddling
A Closer Look At The Draft NTC Value-Added Service Rules