Group seeks probe of cement monopoly

A consumers’ group has called for a Senate inquiry into an alleged monopoly in the cement industry.

The monopoly continues despite a case filed against the leader of a big cement group with the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) for alleged violation of the competition law, Republic Act 10667, Laban Konsyumer Inc. (LKI) said in a recent forum.

The cement group leader is also the president of three big cement manufacturing firms, enabling him to restrict cement price and competition among stakeholders, LKI president Vic Dimagiba alleged.

“The situation has left behind in the competition small cement manufacturers,” Dimagiba said in urging Sen. Cynthia Villar to launch the inquiry.

He lamented the PCC found probable cause to proceed with its probe but the case has remained pending.

“The PCC has conducted a preliminary inquiry of the allegations and found reasonable grounds to proceed with a full administrative investigation in the cement industry for possible violations of Sections 14 and 15 of the Philippine Competition Act,” the PCC said in response to Dimagiba’s complaint filed on Aug. 22, 2016. –