The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) have entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to tighten oversight of the country’s data transmission sector, a move seen to impact market dynamics as connectivity demand continues to rise.
Signed on Sept. 19 by PCC chairperson Michael Aguinaldo and NTC commissioner Ella Blanca Lopez, the MoA establishes a framework for joint monitoring, policy alignment, and enforcement to curb anti-competitive practices and ensure a level playing field among service providers.
The agreement stems from Section 18 of the Konektadong Pinoy Act (RA 12234), which requires stronger regulatory coordination to protect consumers and encourage private sector participation in expanding digital infrastructure.
“The partnership with the NTC allows us to address risks of monopolistic behavior and ensure innovation thrives in the data transmission industry,” Aguinaldo said, noting that competition is key to attracting investment and widening access to affordable connectivity.
Lopez added that cross-agency cooperation is crucial as operators ramp up investments in fiber, satellite, and other next-generation technologies.
“By harmonizing regulatory and competition objectives, we can create an environment where providers compete fairly while consumers gain from improved services,” she said.
The MoA outlines measures for information sharing, joint investigations, merger reviews, and the creation of task forces when necessary.
Both agencies also plan to work together on capacity-building initiatives aimed at strengthening regulatory expertise in fast-evolving technologies.
Industry observers note that the agreement could influence market behavior as telcos, ISPs, and new entrants compete to capture a share of the growing data transmission market, which has become a backbone of the digital economy.
The PCC, meanwhile, said it continues to work with the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the NTC, and other stakeholders on the implementing rules and regulations of the Konektadong Pinoy Act, which is expected to define clearer guardrails for competition in the sector.
