The Cerritos Heights Homeowners Association Inc. (CHHAI) has urged the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) to act on their complaint on the alleged monopoly of an internet service provider (ISP) inside their subvision in Molino 4, Bacoor, Cavite.
CHHAI president Toteng Tanglao said they have submitted a letter to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) requesting that internet service providers aside from Planet Cable to be allowed to operate inside their subdivision. However, their letter-request was allegedly passed to the PCC.
Tanglao said the PCC has not responded to their letter.
"Sumulat din kami sa NTC, ang sabi ng NTC, ‘you better refer this sa Philippine Competition Commission.’ Sumagot naman si PCC, ang sabi nila, ‘patunayan ninyo na may monopoly,’‘ said Tanglao.
Tanglao added that PCC has ignored even Bacoor City Mayor Lani Mercado-Revilla.
"Even 'yung reply nila kay Mayor Lani, they never replied about the monopoly, they just told them na maayos ang serbisyo ng cable, ‘yun ang kanilang style," he said.
Earlier, the CHHAI appealed for an end to the alleged monopoly of Planet Cable inside their subdivision.
In their petition, the group asked that other ISPs be allowed to operate in their subdivision to ensure a ‘backup’ internet should Planet Cable encounter connection problems.
He said a backup internet connection is vital especially now that most of the homeowners are working from home and the students are using online and blended learning.
"We wish to assert our right to enjoy the benefits of competition, especially in getting the best possible internet provider. The need for reliable connectivity is even more pronounced today, especially as the uncertainty over the COVID-19 pandemic is forcing everyone to adapt to the new normal. This means work from home is no longer an option but a requirement in order to keep jobs. Students will also transition to online learning because this is now part of the Philippine education system,” read the homeowners’ petition.
The homeowners had submitted the petition in 2020 but concerned agencies have failed to act on it until now, Tanglao said.
