PRESS RELEASE
15 July 2025

PCC chair Aguinaldo selected as Vice-President at UN competition conference

Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) Chairperson Michael Aguinaldo was elected as one of the Vice-Presidents at the 9th United Nations Conference on Competition and Consumer Protection held in Geneva, Switzerland from July 7-11.

In his role as Vice-President, Aguinaldo moderated two sessions on the fourth day of the conference: the discussions on proposals for implementing cross-border consumer dispute resolution and on investigative techniques and digital tools in modern enforcement.

The 9th UN Conference is the highest-level multilateral gathering on competition and consumer protection, bringing together ministers, heads of competition and consumer protection authorities, and senior officials from member states worldwide. The conference highlights the need for strong competition and consumer protection laws for creating open, dynamic, fair, and safe markets, which are crucial for driving economic growth, reducing poverty, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by UN member states in 2015. A key objective of the conference is to boost law and policy reforms and improve enforcement, especially in developing countries.

PCC Commissioner Lolibeth Ramit-Medrano joined the Philippine delegation after previously participating in the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) 22nd Session of the Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Competition Law and Policy, which served as a preparatory body for the 9th UN conference.

The PCC’s participation in the 9th UN conference underscores its commitment to adopting global best practices and contributing to the development of robust regulatory frameworks. As the country's lead antitrust agency, the PCC enforces the Philippine Competition Act (PCA) to promote fair competition and protect consumer welfare, and represents the Philippine government in international competition matters.

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