Understanding the Principles Underlying the Philippine Competition Law

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This Policy Note revisits the principles of the Philippine Competition Act as a breakthrough legislation intended to promote free and fair competition in economic activities in the country. It advances the idea of fair play, which means that the competition policy should prevent firms from obtaining inequitable market power by excluding others from playing. The study recommends the enforcement of competition rules, such as in the provision of access to essential facilities like transmission lines, the allocation of frequencies in telecommunications, and the opening up of segments that are no longer natural monopolies. It also urges the government to promote competition and, where necessary, good regulation to assist the market to produce competitive outcomes.