Philippines, China tie up for competition law enforcement

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) has tied up with China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) to strengthen relations on competition law enforcement. 

A memorandum of understanding (MOU), which provides a general framework on the parties’ cooperation on competition enforcement, was signed by PCC chair Arsenio Balisacan and SAMR minister Xiao Yaqing on Tuesday. 

Among the cooperation activities of the parties under the MOU are exchange of information, coordination of enforcement activities, notification of cases of mutual interest, as well as technical cooperation and capacity building. 

In addition, the MOU would provide a mechanism for PCC and SAMR to hold joint dialogues on economic issues, developments in competition policies, and other matters of mutual interest.

“Our MoU marks the start of a productive partnership between the PCC and SAMR, recognizing that international cooperation is essential to safeguard competition in today’s increasingly borderless and dynamic markets,” Balisacan said.

In the past, the PCC has engaged with other competition authorities through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Experts Group on Competition, the International Competition Network, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development Competition Division.

Earlier this year, PCC coordinated with the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore on the merger of ride-sharing apps Grab and Uber,

In addition, the PCC also conducted exchange programs with the Korea Fair Trade Commission and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission,  as

well as hosted a study visit for the Myanmar Competition Commission.

“The PCC considers foreign competition authorities as partners and allies toward our shared commitment to promote and protect competitive markets and combat cross-border cartels,” Balisacan said.

Created by the Philippine Competition Act, the PCC seeks to promote fair market competition and advance consumer interest by prohibiting anti-competitive agreements and deals, as well as abuses of dominant position.

SAMR, which is PCC’s counterpart in China, meanwhile, is a consolidated state agency with supervision responsibilities on competition, intellectual property, business registration, and product safety and standards, among others.