15 October 2021
PRESS RELEASE

PCC hosts merger control training for Malaysian competition authority

The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) hosted a training on merger control for the Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC) recently, in a move to strengthen ties between the two antitrust authorities through technical cooperation and capacity building.

Through its Mergers and Acquisitions Office (MAO), PCC conducted a 6-part virtual training series from 16 September to 1 October for its Malaysian counterpart to share developments, lessons and challenges on the merger control regime in the Philippines.

The MyCC delegation was led by its Chief Executive Officer Iskandar Ismail, along with its amendments team, while PCC was represented by Chairperson Arsenio M. Balisacan, Commissioner Johannes R. Bernabe, and MAO Director Krystal T. Uy.

Since January last year, MyCC has been consulting with PCC on merger control processes and practical application of merger rules. The recent training series covered topics such as the overview of Philippine merger control, types of merger reviews, notification processes, economic analyses in reviews, remedies and commitments, and rules on confidentiality.

A decade since its inception, MyCC is currently working to amend its Competition Act of 2010, and among its considerations is the incorporation of a merger control regime.

“The PCC is honored to exchange insights and share experiences with MyCC on merger control. Only five years ago, PCC itself looked to more mature jurisdictions for guidance and best practices. Collaborations like this is a testament to the growth of PCC and its deepening friendship with MyCC,” PCC Chairperson Arsenio M. Balisacan said.

Later this month, PCC will also engage with the Cambodia Competition Commission for a sharing session on Philippine merger control.

PCC regularly collaborates with its counterparts in the ASEAN for opportunities to strengthen competition law and policy in the region. In 2019, PCC hosted delegates from Myanmar for a study visit in the Philippines. In recent years, Vietnam and Thailand have also consulted with PCC regarding amendments to their respective policies on merger control following the Philippines’ notable practices.

“We are delighted to deepen cross-border cooperation with our ASEAN counterparts in our shared bid towards a stronger culture of competition in the region,” Balisacan added.

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Link: https://www.phcc.gov.ph/press-releases/pcc-mycc-merger-trng/