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Philippine Competition Commission and Department of Agriculture officials recently agreed to further collaborate to address anti-competitive practices in the agriculture sector
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Issues discussed include price fixing, abuse of market dominance, and agricultural product smuggling
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Among key areas of collaboration are data sharing to better understand market dynamics; establishing a specialized task force to tackle anti-competitive practices across various agricultural sectors; and building cases against violators of competition laws
Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) and Department of Agriculture (DA) officials recently met to explore collaboration to address anti-competitive practices in the agriculture sector.
The discussions on December 17 targeted key issues such as price fixing, abuses of dominant market position, and smuggling of agricultural products, which undermine competition and drive-up costs, PCC said in a statement.
Among identified key areas of collaboration are:
• Enhancing transparency and market understanding through data sharing to better understand market dynamics;
• Establishing a specialized task force to tackle anti-competitive practices across various agricultural sectors;
• Building cases against violators of competition laws;
• Facilitating training and information sharing to strengthen enforcement; and
• Conducting visits to monitor compliance and investigate potential violations
PCC said the dialogue marked a significant step toward safeguarding the interests of Filipino farmers, fisherfolk, and consumers.
The meeting was attended by representatives from both agencies. From the PCC, commissioner Ferdinand Negre, executive director Kenneth Tanate, Competition Enforcement office director Christian Loren De Los Santos, assistant director Genevieve Jusi, and representatives from the Economics Office were present.
The DA delegation included Undersecretary for Inspectorate and Enforcement Alvin John Balagbag, Undersecretary for Operations and Agri-Fisheries Mechanization Roger Navarro, Inspectorate and Enforcement director Felicisimo F. Madayag, Jr., and Atty. Charisma Aclan of the Office of the Secretary.
Both agencies emphasized their shared commitment to fostering “a competitive market environment that benefits all stakeholders in the agriculture sector” and “protecting the rights and welfare of the Filipino public.”
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