In a bid to show the public that it is serious in stamping out the rampant smuggling of agricultural products, the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) has initiated legal action against 12 onion importers and traders.
These unscrupulous traders now face allegations of conspiracy to "reduce market competition," according to a memorandum presented to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr.
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) stated that the respondents colluded to control the supply of onions in the country.
Evidence indicates that these traders and importers coordinated the allocation of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances (SPICs) issued by the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Plant Industry and managed the import volumes accordingly.
The PCC’s memorandum, dated August 13 and forwarded to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, highlighted that the respondents controlled over 50 percent of the onion imports into the Philippines during the relevant period through their agreement.
This practice constitutes a violation of Section 14(b)(2) of the Philippine Competition Act (PCA).
The PCC also found that despite being competitors, the respondents shared sensitive business information such as pricing, suppliers, and distribution details, further restricting market competition.
The commission has recommended a fine of PHP 2.4 billion against the implicated traders and importers.
While the PCO has not disclosed the names of the individuals or companies involved, President Marcos previously warned during his State of the Nation Address about the crackdown on hoarders and smugglers.
He assured that legal actions would be pursued against those disrupting the market and negatively impacting farmers and consumers.
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