PCC, SEC seal data-sharing pact

CEBU, Philippines — The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have formalized a data-sharing agreement aimed at tightening oversight of corporate activity and strengthening enforcement against anti-competitive practices.

The accord, signed by PCC Chair Michael Aguinaldo and SEC Chair Francisco Lim, gives the competition watchdog streamlined access to corporate records held by the SEC, including information relevant to merger reviews, acquisitions and investigations under the Philippine Competition Act.

The agreement is designed to improve coordination between the two regulators as the government steps up scrutiny of market conduct and corporate governance.

Aguinaldo said closer cooperation would help ensure markets remain transparent and competitive, while reinforcing investor protection.

The data-sharing framework builds on a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed in 2016 and sets out protocols for on-site, online and off-site access to SEC records.

It also incorporates safeguards under the Data Privacy Act of 2012, requiring both agencies to adopt strict confidentiality and security measures.

SEC Director Oliver Chato and PCC Executive Director Kenneth Tanate were named as designated data protection officers to oversee compliance, monitor implementation and ensure that sensitive corporate and personal information is handled securely.

Under the agreement, the SEC will provide requested data within three working days. The PCC, in turn, is required to use the information solely for its statutory mandate and to disclose which personnel or data processors are authorized to handle the records. Provisions covering data breach response, retention and secure disposal are also included.

Valid for five years, the pact underscores the government s push to strengthen regulatory coordination as a means of boosting investor confidence, improving market discipline and promoting fair competition across the Philippine economy.