Quezon City, September 19, 2025 — The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) signed a memorandum of agreement on Friday to formalize closer coordination in the data transmission industry, including joint market monitoring, policy development, and enforcement work.
The accord—signed by PCC Chairperson Michael Aguinaldo and NTC Commissioner Ella Blanca Lopez—implements Section 18 of the Konektadong Pinoy Act (Republic Act No. 12234), which mandates inter-agency mechanisms and information-sharing to uphold fair competition in data transmission.
Under the agreement, the PCC and NTC will establish protocols for information exchange, coordinate on merger reviews and investigations, roll out annual competition-compliance training for relevant staff, and create joint task forces when needed. The agencies also committed to joint market monitoring to spot and address conduct that could harm consumers or foreclose rivals.
“This partnership with the NTC is a crucial step toward building a competitive and inclusive data transmission landscape,” Aguinaldo said. “By working together, we can safeguard the sector from the dangers of those that would seek to damage or monopolize telecommunications to the detriment of consumers.” Lopez said the NTC is committed to fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory practices, adding that the agreement “sets the stage for strong interagency collaboration and responsible data sharing.”
The PCC said it continues to support the drafting of the KPA’s implementing rules and regulations, working with the Department of Information and Communications Technology, economic-planning authorities, the NTC and other stakeholders.
Separately, the PCC briefed the House Committee on Economic Affairs on September 17, outlining enforcement milestones including 348 merger reviews covering approximately $119.1bn in transactions; 53 preliminary inquiries; and 44 full administrative investigations across sectors including water, health, pharmaceuticals, food and agriculture, energy, transport, telecom, fintech, digital platforms, construction, manufacturing, trade associations and sports. The Commission has issued 48 rules and guidelines, conducted 333 advocacy activities and handled over 3,000 queries and complaints.
