The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) has signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), formalizing an interagency partnership aimed at enhancing competition and regulatory coordination within the country’s data transmission industry.
The agreement is anchored on Section 18 of Republic Act No. 12234, or the Konektadong Pinoy Act (KPA), which mandates the establishment of interagency cooperation mechanisms—particularly in information sharing and joint enforcement—to uphold fair competition in the sector.
PCC chairperson Michael Aguinaldo highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership in fulfilling the objectives of the KPA.
“This partnership with the NTC is a crucial step toward building a competitive and inclusive data transmission landscape. By working together, we can safeguard the sector from the dangers of those that would seek to damage or monopolize telecommunications to the detriment of consumers,” Aguinaldo said.
He added that the PCC will continue to support the law’s implementation through technical assistance, joint enforcement, and policy coordination.
NTC commissioner Ella Blanca Lopez echoed the importance of interagency collaboration, particularly in fostering a level playing field across the telecommunications sector.
“We are committed to fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory practices across the industry. This agreement sets the stage for strong interagency collaboration and responsible data sharing, enabling us to fulfill our mandates and better serve Filipino consumers,” Lopez said.
Under the agreement, the PCC and NTC will engage in joint market monitoring, policy development, coordinated enforcement actions, and capacity-building initiatives. The MoA also establishes formal protocols for information exchange, coordination in merger reviews and investigations, and the formation of joint task forces as necessary.
The PCC remains actively involved in the development of the KPA’s implementing rules and regulations, working alongside the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of Economy, Planning and Development, NTC, and other key stakeholders.
The MoA is expected to strengthen the institutional framework supporting competition and transparency in the Philippine telecommunications landscape, particularly amid growing demand for accessible and reliable digital connectivity.
