Philippines

The Philippine Competition Commission is an independent quasi-judicial body with authority to investigate, hear, and decide competition cases.

Section 14 prohibits agreements that substantially prevent, restrict, or lessen competition. Per se prohibited conduct includes price-fixing, bid-rigging, output restriction, and market allocation.

Vertical agreements may be assessed under Section 14 where they substantially lessen competition. The PCC applies a rule-of-reason approach to most vertical restraints.

Section 15 prohibits abuse of dominant position, including predatory pricing, imposing barriers to entry, tying, and discriminatory pricing.

Compulsory pre-merger notification for transactions exceeding size-of-party and size-of-transaction thresholds. The PCC has 30 days for Phase I review, extendable to 60 days for Phase II.

The PCC operates an immunity programme granting full immunity to the first informant in cartel cases. Subsequent applicants may receive reduced penalties.

The PCC may enter into consent agreements with parties. The framework for settlements is established but practical experience remains limited.

Administrative fines of PHP 100 million to PHP 250 million for anti-competitive agreements. Criminal penalties of 2 to 7 years' imprisonment for per se violations.

No specific digital markets competition legislation. The PCC has applied the Competition Act to ride-hailing platforms and e-commerce.

The NTC (telecommunications), BSP (banking), and other sector regulators coordinate with the PCC. Concurrent jurisdiction can create overlapping mandates.

The PCC may conduct inspections with a court order, compel document production, and summon witnesses. It has used these powers in cartel investigations.

Injured parties may bring civil actions for damages. The framework exists but private competition litigation is still nascent in the Philippines.

The PCC cooperates with ASEAN competition authorities, the ICN, and OECD. It has bilateral cooperation arrangements with Japan and Australia.

Active merger review in telecommunications and banking. Enforcement against cartels in shipping and construction. Increased advocacy in digital economy and agriculture.