The Philippine Competition Commission is looking to exempt certain sectors from the compulsory merger notification involving public-private partnership projects under certain conditions, according to its proposed rules as reported by Philstar Biz.
Under the proposed rules, mergers or acquisitions within PPP projects that meet particular criteria—such as those involving essential infrastructure or services with limited competition concerns—may no longer require prior notification to the PCC. This aims to streamline approvals for projects that are deemed to have minimal anti-competitive impact.
The move is seen as an effort to encourage more private sector participation in infrastructure development while maintaining competition oversight. Stakeholders are expected to submit comments during the public consultation period before the rules are finalized.