The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC), in collaboration with the Legal Education Board (LEB) and the University of the Philippines Competition Law and Policy Program (UP CLPP), held a public consultation last December 2, 2024, to gather feedback on the proposed specialized academic track and post-graduate certificate program in competition law.
Representatives of legal education institutions (LEIs) attended the event, both in-person and online, to review and provide inputs on the proposed programs, with the goal of integrating them into law school curricula across the country.

In her opening remarks, PCC Commissioner Lolibeth Ramit-Medrano highlighted the importance of incorporating competition law into legal education and the need to equip future lawyers with the knowledge and skills to navigate complex legal and economic landscapes, especially in the era of rapid technological advancements and evolving business models.

“Competition law is a powerful tool that shapes market environments, ensuring businesses can thrive in a fair, transparent, and competitive system. Beyond ensuring compliance, it provides a framework for regulating business practices that affect consumer welfare, market dynamics, and social equity,” she said. She added, “Competition affects and interacts with other areas of law such as intellectual property, consumer protection, data privacy, procurement, trade is another compelling reason why competition law must be mainstreamed in the legal education.”
Medrano explained that this initiative aligns with the PCC’s goal of fostering a culture of competition. The PCC plans to expand its advocacy and partner with the private sector to raise awareness of market competition.

LEB Commissioner Salex Alibogha presented the details of the proposed specialized academic track and post-graduate certificate program, which are designed to provide in-depth training in competition law principles, market dynamics, and regulatory processes.
The specialized academic track under the Juris Doctor Program comprises a 12-unit program focusing on the core competencies required to apply competition law. It includes key topics such as anti-competitive agreements, abuse of dominance, merger control, and the impact of emerging technologies on competition.

On the other hand, the post-graduate certificate program, a 64-hour or 16-week intensive course, is designed for a broad range of professionals seeking specialized knowledge in competition law. It covers areas such as anti-competitive practices, market monopolization, mergers and acquisitions, and consumer protection, with a strong focus on regulatory enforcement.
LEIs intending to implement these programs should only inform the LEB. No prior application or approval is necessary. The notification should include proposed enhancements, the intended year of implementation, and other relevant details.

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