The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) has signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to strengthen coordination in ensuring fair competition and integrity in public infrastructure projects.
Signed on October 23, the MOA formalizes cooperation between the two agencies in detecting and addressing anti-competitive practices such as bid-rigging and abuse of dominance in public works. It provides mechanisms for case referrals, joint investigations, policy coordination, and capacity-building programs.
Under the Philippine Competition Act, entities found guilty of bid-rigging and other anti-competitive agreements may face fines of up to ₱110 million for a first offense, ₱110 million to ₱275 million for a second offense, and ₱165 million to ₱275 million for subsequent violations.
The agreement also commits both agencies to timely exchange of information, joint monitoring of market conduct, and collaborative policy reviews to align with competition laws and national policies. It enables the creation of joint task forces, access to procurement data, and field coordination for investigations.
PCC chairman Michael Aguinaldo said the partnership underscores a shared commitment to “make public infrastructure not only strong and resilient, but also fair, transparent, and competitive.” He added that the initiative is “about nation-building through fair competition.”
The MOA further sets out guidelines for information sharing, confidentiality safeguards, and joint training programs for procurement officials and contractors.
The partnership forms part of the PCC’s broader effort to embed competition safeguards in key sectors, promoting efficient public spending, inclusive growth, and market fairness.
