The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) has dramatically increased penalties for anti-competitive practices and non-compliance under its newly issued Memorandum Circular No. 26-002, signaling a more aggressive approach to market discipline.
Administrative fines for violations of Sections 14 and 15 of the Philippine Competition Act—covering anti-competitive agreements and abuse of dominant position—have surged. First-time offenders now face fines of up to P125 million, while repeat violators could be hit with penalties as high as P310 million. Third and subsequent offenses carry even steeper sanctions, highlighting the PCC’s intent to deter habitual violators.
The revised rules also expand enforcement beyond cartels and dominance cases.
Companies that fail to comply with PCC orders, provide misleading information, obstruct investigations, or retaliate against whistleblowers may face fines ranging from P60,000 to P2.5 million per violation, plus additional daily penalties for continued non-compliance.
Merger rules have tightened as well. Parties that fail to notify the PCC of transactions on time or attempt prohibited mergers now face heavier fines, reflecting the growing oversight as foreign investment and infrastructure deals surge in the Philippines.
The tougher penalty framework underscores the PCC’s push to align Philippine competition enforcement with global standards, sending a message that regulatory compliance and transparency are now non-negotiable in the country’s evolving corporate landscape.
