NEDA stresses need for competition policy in gov’t plans

The Philippine government is committed to integrating competition policy into its broader development framework, according to National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan.

During a webinar hosted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Balisacan emphasized that ensuring competition policy becomes an integral part of the country’s development strategy would prevent it from operating in isolation.

The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) is responsible for promoting fair market competition, preventing anti-competitive practices, and advocating for pro-competition policies. It oversees mergers and acquisitions, investigates antitrust violations, and monitors the competitive landscape, among other duties.

Before his appointment at NEDA, Balisacan chaired the PCC. He acknowledged that competition authorities, especially those still building their enforcement capacity, may face resistance from entrenched networks in government and business. 

He stressed the importance of establishing credibility and effectively navigating these networks to reduce pushback against competition enforcement.

The ADB also highlighted the PCC’s success in embedding competition policy within the government’s development agenda. The ADB’s report noted that the collaboration between NEDA and the PCC has clarified how competition policy can support societal goals, such as raising productivity and promoting inclusive economic growth in the Philippines.