ON Tuesday, Kabayan party-list Rep. Ron Salo filed a bill that would grant a legislative franchise to Starlink, the satellite internet provider owned by Elon Musk. While Starlink has been gaining some traction in the Philippines, it poses significant risks to national security and private data, and should be investigated rather than given a franchise by Congress.

Starlink at present has an absolute monopoly on satellite internet services, and objectively offers some benefits, primarily in connecting remote or isolated populations. Where a community might otherwise be cut off from internet service due to local telecommunications providers deeming it unprofitable to supply a cell tower or cable connection, access can be had for the price of a simple ground receiver. Starlink is currently advertising the needed kit for sale at P28,000. According to various reports, Starlink's performance is inferior to that of the Philippines' ground-bound internet service providers, but when the alternative is no connectivity at all, it is an attractive choice.