PCC finds reasonable grounds for full probe on cement industry

The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) has found reasonable grounds to proceed to full administrative investigation of the local cement industry for possible violations of anti-competition practices and abuse of dominant position.

The PCC updated Atty. Vic Dimagiba, former DTI Undersecretary for Consumer Protection and now president of Laban Konsyumer, Inc., on the progress of his complaint affidavit filed on August 22, 2016 to probe the local cement industry Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (CeMAP) and its president Ernesto M. Ordonez for alleged anti-competition practices.

“Please be informed that the commission conducted a preliminary inquiry of the allegations in your affidavit-complaint. It found reasonable grounds to proceed to full administrative investigation for possible violations of sections 14 and 15 of the Philippine Competition Act,” the PHC said in a letter signed by PCC Director for enforcement Orlando P. Polinar on January 27, 2017.

Section 14 or Anti-Competitive agreements of the Philippine Competition Act prohibits agreements between or among competitors such as restricting price competition; fixing price; setting or controlling production, markets, technical development or investment; dividing or sharing the market; and other agreements which