PCC approves proposal by water refilling businesses to resolve price-fixing probe

THE Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) said it approved a proposal by an association of water refilling station operators to resolve an investigation into price-fixing.

“The commission found that the written proposal adequately addressed the concerns raised in its earlier directives and has instructed the enforcement office to monitor the association’s compliance,” the PCC said in a statement late Wednesday.

The PCC found the group to have been coordinating pricing for certain water products.

“Such conduct raised concerns under Section 14(a)(1) of the Philippine Competition Act (PCA), which prohibits agreements among competitors to fix prices,” the PCC said.

“The parties were directed to cease the practice and subsequently opted to submit a settlement proposal under the PCC Rules of Procedure, which allows matters to be resolved prior to a final decision,” it added.

Under the approved settlement, the association committed to not engage in coordinated pricing and make independent pricing and business decisions.

“The settlement also includes compliance-oriented measures such as public communication of their commitment to fair competition, cooperation with the PCC, participation in competition law education activities, and support for advocacy initiatives,” it said.

PCC Chairman Michael G. Aguinaldo said the settlement addresses harm to consumers and market distortions caused by price-fixing.

“By securing the commitments to cease anti‑competitive conduct and actively support our advocacy, we aim to restore fair competition and ensure that consumers benefit from competitive pricing and quality service,” he said. — Justine Irish D. Tabile