by Bernie Magkilat September
27, 2016
The cement and power sectors face
closer scrutiny by the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC), which received
multiple allegations for alleged anti-competitive practices involving structure
and personalities of these sectors.
PCC Chairman Arsenio Balisacan said
the quasi-judicial body is looking into a number of matters, spanning a diverse
set of sectors such as power, cement and rice, that have been brought to the
attention of the PCC.
“These include, but are not limited to the
Department of Energy’s request for PCC to look into possible anti-collusive
practices of power generators, and complaint filed by a private individual
against the possible abuse of dominant position by cement manufacturers,” said
Balisacan.
El Cid R. Butuyan cited the cement
sector for having gained some level of coverage and that some of these
complaints were only filed a few days ago.
“We have a few matters on various
stages on levels of specificity of allegations referred to us as you would
imagine there are certain matters that we can share to public and some we
should keep. On cement, it is fair to point that there is some level of coverage
on former public officials on relation to certain officials and members of
cement industry,” said Butuyan.
“The complaints refer to certain
anti-competitive practices, multiple allegations, individual allegations and
structure and specific incidents.”
“But we have not really moved from
preliminary investigation,” he said noting that the complaints refer both to
policy, structure and behavior. There are four matters involving in the cement
industry.”
He, however, said that the
investigation is still in the very early stage of information gathering. He
said the PCC will probably engage the Department of Trade and Industry, which
protects the consumer welfare, to contribute its input in the probe. PCC
will also bring other agencies concerned.
Under the law, PCC has 90 days to
conduct preliminary inquiry after which they will decide if they will pursue a
formal investigation or close the probe.
So far, the PCC has already received
65 notifications, which are separate from the complaints filed. There are
65 notifications received and PCC has conducted pre-notification consultations.
The Department of Energy would also
like the PCC to look into the possibility of collusive practices.
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