PCC set to impose full force of PH competition law

The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) is investigating players in the manufacturing, public services, and agriculture industry for possible anti-competitive practices, and may impose penalties on them following the expiration of the transitory period to comply with the Philippine competition law.

The two-year transitory period for the companies to undo their anti-competitive practices ends on August 8 this year, which means the fines and penalties that could be imposed on them would be in full force and effect, said PCC chair Arsenio Balisacan.

Fines for first time offenders could be as high as P100 million.

The PCC had received 26 queries and complaints for anti-competitive conduct, and three have advanced to the administrative investigation stage.

Balisacan said three cases that the agency is investigating involve cartels and abuse of dominant position.

Earlier reports said the PCC had found indications of anticompetitive agreements in the local cement industry, which was prompted by the filing of complaint by a former trade department official. JPV