The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) said Friday it has reviewed 348 merger and acquisition transactions worth P6.8 trillion, a milestone that highlights its role in protecting fair competition.
PCC chairperson Michael Aguinaldo and executive director Kenneth Tanate presented the figures on Sept. 17 during a briefing for the House Committee on Economic Affairs. The officials were there to align legislative priorities with the government’s competition policy, as outlined in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.
Since its inception, the competition watchdog has also pursued 53 preliminary inquiries and 44 full administrative investigations across a range of sectors, including water, health, food, energy, and telecommunications.
The commission said it has issued 48 competition-related rules and guidelines, conducted 333 advocacy activities and handled more than 3,000 public queries and complaints. It also provides Congress with market studies and technical expertise to support policy development.
Recent initiatives include a competition compliance toolkit for businesses, a case reporting system to streamline enforcement, and a bid-rigging screening tool recognized by the International Competition Network and World Bank Group.
Aguinaldo cited the PCC’s balanced enforcement approach, with a focus on protecting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and cooperatives. He said the commission is closely monitoring developments in artificial intelligence (AI), particularly algorithmic pricing and its impact on competition.
The PCC said its expanding role is key to shaping competition policy and ensuring markets remain fair, inclusive and supportive of national development goals.
