PRESS STATEMENT
Re: PCC probe on onion cartel allegations
16 February 2023

Since November 2022, the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) has been investigating the high prices of onion for possible cartel or abuse of dominance conduct, consistent with the probe prompted by House Speaker Cong. Martin G. Romualdez and House Resolution No. 681 filed by Cong. Stella A. Quimbo.

PCC launched its market assessment as the onion retail prices have been observed at unusual high range and peaked at P600/kilo in December 2022. As prices are seen to stabilize due to the imports and the SRP¹ set last Feb. 6, the PCC is looking into the cause of such market anomaly in coordination with the sector regulators and other law enforcement agencies.

Under the Philippine Competition Act (PCA), businesses who will be found to have taken advantage of the situation may be fined up to P100 million, and even face jail time of up to 7 years. The fines may even be tripled if trade of basic necessities, including agricultural products identified by the Price Act, are involved in cartel or abuse of dominance violations.

—Philippine Competition Commission

^[1]  DA Admin Circular No. 5 dated Feb 6, 2023

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Link: https://www.phcc.gov.ph/press-statements/pcc-onion-feb2023/