Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan believes that strengthening competition policy is essential to ensuring fair pricing and inclusive growth as the Philippine economy shifts toward digital and data-driven markets.
Speaking at the 2026 Manila Forum on Competition in Developing Countries, DEPDev Secretary Balisacan said proactive government interventions are necessary to enforce competition rules amid the rapid development of disruptive technologies.
He said that well-implemented competition policy is a cornerstone of broader reform agendas that lead to stronger economic performance over time.
The chief economist acknowledged that the digital transformation of the market requires significant improvements to the local competition landscape. Digital-facing markets will increasingly determine productivity and consumer welfare as more services move online, according to DEPDev Secretary Balisacan.
Balisacan pointed to the Konektadong Pinoy Act as a landmark reform for the telecommunications industry. The law aims to provide reliable connectivity to underserved areas while improving investment conditions to allow for broader participation in the digital economy.
Reflecting on his tenure as the inaugural Philippine Competition Commission Chairperson from 2016 to 2022, Balisacan said that while the economy has shown strong macroeconomic performance for 2 decades, anticompetitive practices have historically hindered growth.
“While poverty did decline, persistent barriers to competition remained. Part of the explanation lies in the weak state of competition in industries and sectors that matter most to the poor. In response, the Philippine Competition Act was enacted after decades of legislative effort, reflecting a clear recognition that vibrant competition is essential to a more dynamic economy and more inclusive growth,” he said.
The Philippine Competition Commission was established under Republic Act No. 10667 to integrate competition policy into the national development agenda. The 2026 forum serves as a platform for regulators and experts to discuss antitrust enforcement and innovation in the digital age.
