Senator Win Gatchalian commended government efforts to boost its fight against the anti-competitive and collusive behavior in the power sector as a partnership was forged in conducting a coordinated investigation related to competition issues in the industry.
Gatchalian made the statement following the signing of a memorandum of agreement between the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) that will allow for closer coordination of enforcement in their power sector investigations toward a more robust competition landscape.
“We have always been consistent in encouraging the ERC, the PCC, and the Department of Energy to join forces.”
“We have always been consistent in encouraging the ERC, the PCC, and the Department of Energy to join forces in promoting an environment that is free from anti-competitive and collusive behavior, especially in times of sudden and unexplained power outages when helpless consumers feel that they are at the mercy of energy players,” the legislator said.
The chair of the Senate committee on energy said that with the agreement in place, he expects agencies to put the interests of consumers first and ensure they will get an adequate supply of electricity.
“This agreement would help provide a level-playing field for all market players.”
The lawmaker also noted that this agreement would help provide a level-playing field for all market players.
The agreement establishes collaborative mechanisms such as information sharing, investigation support, joint task forces, and continued capacity building and consultations.