FPJ 2016: On protecting the consumers, oligopoly market power and government regulators

FPJ 2016: On protecting the consumers, oligopoly market power and government regulators. Oligopolies can result from various forms of collusion which reduce competition and lead to higher prices for consumers.

There are persistent complaints about slow internet connection, poor services and comparably higher prices for connectivity compared to those offered in other leading ASEAN countries.

Another sticking point is the high cost of power and electricity the Philippines.  One question that comes to mind, is why is it that India was able to tender earlier this year 4 Gigawatt  of electricity from solar companies for and average of $0.08 /KwH while in the Philippines, electricity providers would not step up facilities unless they get a subsidized FIT rate of $0.22 / KwH.

When less than a dozen families control the banking, energy, telecommunications and 70% of the market cap of the top 300 companies in the Philippines, the responsibility of regulators to protect the consuming public takes it to higher level of significance.