PRESS RELEASE
19 September 2025

PCC briefs House Committee on Economic Affairs, reinforces support for legislative alignment on competition policy

(L-R) PCC Chairperson Michael Aguinaldo; Commissioners Marah Victoria Querol, Michael Peloton, Lolibeth Ramit-Medrano, and Ferdinand Negre; and Executive Director Kenneth Tanate (Photo Courtesy of the House of Representatives)

The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC), led by Chairperson Michael Aguinaldo, participated in a congressional briefing on September 17 before the House Committee on Economic Affairs. The engagement, which featured a presentation by Executive Director Kenneth Tanate, is expected to help align the Committee’s legislative priorities with the government’s competition policy and development framework under the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.  

Tanate presented PCC’s enforcement milestones, including the review of 348 merger and acquisition transactions worth P6.8 trillion, 53 preliminary inquiries, and 44 full administrative investigations, spanning key sectors such as water, health, pharmaceuticals, food and agriculture, energy, transport, telecom, fintech, digital platforms, construction, manufacturing, trade associations, and sports. The Commission has also issued 48 competition-related rules and guidelines, conducted 333 advocacy activities, and responded to over 3,000 queries and complaints.

PCC Executive Director Kenneth Tanate presents the agency’s mandate, enforcement milestones, and policy initiatives during the briefing before the House Committee on Economic Affairs, held on September 17, 2025 (Photo Courtesy of the House of Representatives).

To support policy development, PCC conducts market studies and assists Congress in its legislative functions through the submission of position papers and attendance in hearings. Recent initiatives include the PCC’s Competition Compliance Toolkit for businesses, a Case Reporting System to streamline enforcement, and the bid-rigging screening tool, which earned international recognition from the International Competition Network and World Bank Group.

Responding to committee queries, Aguinaldo emphasized PCC’s balanced enforcement approach, especially in protecting micro, small, and medium enterprises, and cooperatives. He also discussed public education efforts through partnerships with SM Prime Holdings, Inc., state universities, and local chambers. On emerging issues, Aguinaldo noted PCC’s monitoring of AI-related developments, particularly algorithmic pricing and its potential impact on competition.

Also present in the congressional hearing were PCC Commissioners and Directors from various offices, joining the discussions with the House Committee on Economic Affairs.

PCC’s active engagement with Congress underscores its vital role in shaping sound competition policy and ensuring that markets remain fair and inclusive for all stakeholders.

###

REFERENCE:  
publicaffairs@phcc.gov.ph  
Public Affairs and Research Division
Communications and Knowledge Management Office
Philippine Competition Commission