dotPH

13 February 2004

MR. VIRGILIO PEÑA
Undersecretary
Department of Transportation and Communications
DOTC
16 Floor Columbia Towers
Ortigas Avenue

Dear Usec. Peña,

This is regarding our discussions on the NTC guidelines for the administration of the PH domain.

With the way things are proceeding, our inputs don't seem to be given much weight. We are disappointed that there seems to be a rush to implement regulations, perhaps due to political deadlines or other pressures.

We have expressed our concerns that these regulations will have adverse effects on the PH domain. They will hamper the ability of PH to compete against other domains; yet do nothing to encourage Filipinos from choosing PH over COM. In fact, too much red tape will drive Filipinos to use other domains. There is a very real possibility that implementation of these regulations will cripple the PH domain.

We have repeatedly asked that specific problems be identified so we can work towards resolving them. Yet none have been identified.

Commissioner Sarmiento has said that the guidelines are there because Malacanang has mandated it so -- with no mention of why the guidelines are needed in the first place. This sounds perilously close to regulation for its own sake, instead of to achieve a desirable end.

For discussions to be productive, it must be clear exactly what these guidelines are supposed to fix and how things will change for the better once they are implemented.

We hope that this matter can be clarified so we can move forward with discussions and resolve issues facing the PH domain.

Best regards,
JOSE EMMANUEL DISINI
PH ccTLD Administrator