The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) joins competition authorities across the globe in marking World Competition Day (WCD) on December 5.

The Philippines also observes National Competition Day on the same day.

For the 15th WCD, the theme “Competition Policy and Inequality” resonates strongly with the PCC’s mandate to promote market competition and a level playing field. Inequality remains a pressing issue, affecting both individuals and businesses locally.

In a written contribution submitted by the Philippines for the 2024 OECD Global Forum on Competition, PCC Commissioner Ferdinand Negre said competition law can be a helpful tool to reduce inequality in society and in business. Competition law can provide the underprivileged with better access to basic commodities at lower prices because of competition in the market. Competition law can likewise address inequality in the business sector by ensuring fair market conditions, which will allow micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) access to the market.

“Competition law can help create a more equitable economic environment by promoting fair competition, enhancing consumer welfare, and addressing anti-competitive behaviors of large firms,” he said.

Negre said the PCC has taken several steps to address inequality through competition law enforcement and advocacy, such as prioritizing industries or sectors that affect marginalized sectors, advocating for pro-competitive laws and regulations, and ordering direct refunds to consumers.

The PCC has identified six priority sectors for the years 2024-2028 that are essential for underprivileged populations: 1) water; 2) food and agriculture; 3) health and pharmaceuticals; 4) transportation and logistics; 5) telecommunications, financial services, and digital platforms; and 6) energy.

As part of its mandate to advocate for pro-competitive laws and regulations, the PCC provides inputs to proposed legislation and regulations that may hinder the ability of MSMEs to compete in the market. The Commission likewise regularly submits position papers to aid legislators when discussing proposed legislation, reflecting the PCC’s thorough examination of these bills through the lens of competition policy. The Commission has also lobbied for the creation of a National Competition Policy, a whole-of-government strategy adopted in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 that, among others, requires government agencies to align their policies, rules, and guidelines with competition law principles.

The PCC’s order for Grab to refund customers at the time when the Commission was monitoring the company’s commitments arising from its acquisition of Uber’s operations in the Philippines is an example of pro-competitive interventions that directly benefit consumers. In this case, the PCC ordered the ride-hailing company to refund P25.45 million to its riders for violating its pricing commitments.

“As the PCC navigates the complex landscape of competition law, it faces significant hurdles, including limited resources and public awareness. The PCC must continue to evaluate its implementation of competition law. PCC’s commitment to strengthen its competition enforcement will be vital in establishing a more inclusive economy for the Philippines,” Negre said.

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REFERENCE:
publicaffairs@phcc.gov.ph
PCC Public Affairs and Research Division