The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to strengthen inter-agency coordination and address anti-competitive behavior, such as bid-rigging, in public works projects.
PCC Chairperson Michael Aguinaldo and DPWH Secretary Vivencio Dizon signed the MOA on October 23. The MOA formalizes cooperation between the PCC and DPWH in detecting and addressing anti-competitive behavior in public works projects, including bid-rigging and abuse of dominance. The agreement establishes mechanisms for case referrals, joint investigations, policy coordination, and capacity-building programs.
Under the Philippine Competition Act, entities found to have engaged in anti-competitive agreements such as bid-rigging may face administrative fines. For the first offense, a fine of up to PHP110 million may be imposed. For the second offense, the fine ranges from PHP110 million to PHP275 million. For the third and succeeding offenses, the fine increases to a range of PHP165 million to PHP275 million.
Under the agreement, both agencies commit to timely notification of relevant concerns, proactive monitoring of market conduct, and collaborative review of DPWH policies to ensure alignment with the PCA, the National Competition Policy, and other applicable laws. The MOA also enables the formation of joint task forces and logistical support for investigations, including access to procurement data and field coordination.
“The agreement between the PCC and the DPWH represents a shared commitment to make our public infrastructure not only strong and resilient, but also fair, transparent, and competitive,” said Aguinaldo. “This MOA is about more than policy coordination. It is about nation-building through fair competition. It is about ensuring that our roads and bridges are built not just with concrete and steel, but with integrity and trust,” he added.
The MOA also outlines protocols for information sharing, including access to bid documents, procurement reports, and market assessments, subject to confidentiality and data privacy safeguards. It provides for joint capacity-building activities such as trainings, roadshows, and the development of educational materials for procurement officers and contractors.
This initiative supports the PCC’s broader strategy to embed competition safeguards in key sectors through institutional partnerships. It affirms the role of competition policy in driving efficient public spending, inclusive growth, and market fairness.
