BAGUIO CITY (PIA) – Did you know that there is a law promoting and protecting market competition in the Philippines?
The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) recently spearheaded a multi sectoral forum on Republic Act 10667 or the Philippine Competition Act (PCA) and National Competition Policy (NCP) in Baguio City.
Representatives from different government agencies and other stakeholders joined the forum that aims to inform the participants of the PCC's role, benefits of competition, PCA enforcement, and the NCP and Competition Impact Assessment checklist.
"That is our first step in trying to equip our partners in government sector on how to ensure na 'yung mga patakaran ay really sensitive of competition law," PCC Communications and Knowledge Management Office Director III Arnold Roy Tenorio said.
The PCC is an independent quasi-judicial body mandated to implement the NCP and enforce the PCA, which serves as the primary law in the Philippines for promoting and protecting market competition.
The NCP, on the other hand, “provides the framework for government agencies in formulating and adopting pro-competitive policies, rules and regulations, and issuances to avoid competition distortions and an uneven playing field for businesses.”
Tenorio also emphasized the importance of competition, which he said, is a way for poverty reduction and inclusive growth.
PCC Competition Enforcement Office Investigation Agent II Lenvic Elicer Lesigues discussed anti competitive behaviors and agreements, and abuse of dominance while PCC Economic Office Director IV Dr. Benjamin Radoc, Jr. tackled the NCP and Competition Impact Assessment Checklist.
"Our focus is to maximize consumer welfare but also to ensure that policies and regulations are helpful for firms so that they can expand the business or for new entrants to participate in the market," explained Radoc.
Meanwhile, National Economic and Development Authority - Cordillera Administrative Region Assistant Regional Director Stephanie Christiansen stressed the importance of the PCA in safeguarding the well-being of both entrepreneurs and consumers as she assured the support of the NEDA and the Regional Development Council in the PCC's activities.
"We look forward to PCC strengthen collaboration and consultation with our regional line agencies, local government units, our private sector organizations as well as other development sectors to have better understanding over local market behavior and link to the broader market space," Christiansen said. (JDP/DEG- PIA CAR)
