PRESS RELEASE
29 September 2026

PCC streamlines legal procedures with digital filing rules

The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) has adopted new guidelines governing the electronic filing and service of documents, as well as the conduct of videoconferencing proceedings. Promulgated under Commission Resolution No. 11-2026 and Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 26-003, the new rules take effect on October 3, 2026, institutionalizing digital procedures to enhance operational efficiency, accessibility, and expediency for all market participants.

Under the updated framework, parties to proceedings before the PCC must submit official filings electronically through designated online facilities and official email channels, and corresponding hard copies must still be filed in-person within the prescribed period. The guidelines establish standardized filing rules, document submission formats, and verification procedures to maintain procedural integrity while transitioning to digital workflows.

The guidelines also establish procedures for videoconferencing as an alternative mode for in-person proceedings before the Commission, either on its own determination or upon motion of a party. The conduct of videoconference proceedings may also be observed by the Competition Enforcement Office and the Mergers and Acquisitions Office (MAO).

PCC Offices may conduct interviews and meetings via videoconference through Microsoft Teams or any equivalent videoconferencing platform. The use of artificial intelligence accounts of participants in these meetings is strictly prohibited. Pre-notification consultations before the MAO may also be conducted online, upon the request of a party.

By digitalizing its administrative processes, the PCC advances its statutory mandate to enforce the Philippine Competition Act with greater speed, rigor, and accessibility. Streamlining electronic submissions and virtual proceedings directly strengthens the Commission’s ability to investigate anti-competitive conduct, review mergers efficiently, and eliminate procedural delays, ultimately fostering a transparent market environment that protects fair competition and consumer welfare.

Complete details of MC No. 26-003 are accessible at https://bit.ly/PCC-MC-Adoption-of-the-E-Guidelines

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