PRESS RELEASE
12 August 2024
PCC presents developments on merger control standards at the 22nd session of UNCTAD experts group on competition
PCC Commissioner Lolibeth Ramit-Medrano presents developments on merger control standards in the Philippines at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) 22nd Session of the Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Competition Law and Policy held on July 3-5, 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland. (Photos grabbed from Philippine Mission UN Geneva, via https://x.com/PHinGeneva/status/1809159682323611991)
Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) Commissioner Lolibeth Ramit-Medrano presented recent developments on merger control standards in the country during a roundtable discussion of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) 22nd Session of the Intergovernmental Group of Experts (IGE) on Competition Law and Policy on July 3-5 in Geneva, Switzerland.
The meeting provided a venue for discussing ways to improve worldwide cooperation on competition policy implementation and enhancing convergence through dialogue. The session covered (i) implementation of policies under section F of the Multilaterally Agreed Equitable Principles and Rules for Restrictive Business Practices, (ii) cross-border cartels, (iii) competition law enforcement in digital markets, (iv) competition policy and poverty reduction, (v) recent developments in merger control standards, (vi) voluntary peer review of Egypt’s competition law and policy, and (vii) capacity-building and technical assistance in competition law and policy.
During the roundtable discussion, Commissioner Medrano underscored the significance of integrating competition policy within national development plans, citing the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028 as instrumental in promoting a competitive market economy essential for sustained economic growth and job creation. “Chapter 10 of the PDP prioritizes regulatory efficiency and market competition to support economic recovery,” she stated.
Reflecting on the PCC’s growth since its establishment under the Philippine Competition Act, Commissioner Medrano outlined strategic measures implemented to ensure an efficient, transparent, and predictable merger review regime in the country. Recent updates include issuance of the Non-Horizontal Merger Review Guidelines, Guidelines for Motu Proprio Review of Digital Market Transactions, and adjustments in compulsory notification thresholds. She also highlighted the newly adopted Guidelines on Merger Remedies aimed at addressing competition concerns in dynamic sectors like digital markets.
Commissioner Medrano likewise affirmed the Philippines’ commitment to international cooperation in competition policy. She cited the PCC’s involvement in capacity-building activities and cooperation with foreign counterpart agencies in the review of similar transactions and information exchange. On the regional level, she noted the Philippines’ participation in the negotiations of the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Competition (AFAC) and the establishment of the ASEAN Merger Information Sharing Portal (MISP). “These efforts underscore our dedication to fostering a fair and competitive business environment regionally and domestically,” Commissioner Medrano said.
The three-day session provided a platform for Member States to discuss, exchange views, and formulate recommendations to enhance international cooperation in competition law and policy. It also facilitated the sharing of best practices, promoting mutual learning on complex issues that are continuously evolving and difficult to navigate, and setting future agendas for global progress in this field.
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REFERENCE:
publicaffairs@phcc.gov.ph
PCC Public Affairs and Research Division