There was this The West Wing episode about a televised presidential debate. That episode is very meaningful here.
The Telcos are operating based on being able to use the electromagnetic spectrum. This is not their right but rather a massive gift to them from the government. To do something that is detrimental to our republic must also entail an equal or a more pronounced response. If they fear for their security then they have no right to enjoy the massive profits they get out of using a resource that is in some ways fully owned by the Filipino people. Withdrawal of support must mean withdrawal of use of the resource upon which the massive salaries of their executives/shareholders and workers are based on.
ON PROPOSED WITHDRAWAL OF POLL SUPPORT
‘Think twice,’ Ermita warns telcos
By Lira Dalangin-Fernandez
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 16:59:00 02/17/2010
Filed Under: Telecommunications Services, Elections, Eleksyon 2010
MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang on Wednesday cautioned telecommunications firms against backing out of its commitment to provide the main data center for the May election, saying national interest is at stake.
“I think they should think twice before they resort to what they say they may refuse because you know this thing involves the national welfare, it involves the national interest and very surely the Comelec would know what to do in order to ensure that the commitment under the contract will be fulfilled,” Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said.
The Palace executive was reacting to reports that Globe Telecoms and the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company, which owns Telecommunications, have proposed to withdraw its offer to setup a main data center in its offices for the transmission of election results in the May 10 polls.
The firms have expressed fears of physical attacks against their facilities during the election.
via ‘Think twice,’ Ermita warns telcos – INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos.