Quezon City: The Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) have partnered to improve services and strengthen safeguards against anti-competitive practices in the land transportation sector. The memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed by LTO Executive Director Greg Pua Jr., PCC Chair Michael Aguinaldo, and PCC Executive Director Kenneth Ta±ate at the LTO Central Office in Quezon City on Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, LTO Chief, Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II, stated that the agreement aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to enhance government services. Under the agreement, LTO and PCC will collaborate on monitoring, preventing, and detecting any anti-competitive agreements, abuse of dominant positions, or transactions that may restrict, prevent, or lessen competition.

The agreement addresses anti-competitive violations, including mergers and acquisitions that could have adverse effects in the sector. Furthermore, LTO and PCC will assist in investigations and enforcement activities, review mergers and acquisitions, and conduct market monitoring.

Mendoza emphasized that both agencies will work closely in investigating and enforcing laws related to violations of Republic Act No. 10667, also known as the Philippine Competition Act (PCA), and other competition-related laws. The agencies are also committed to sharing relevant information for the effective implementation and enforcement of RA 10667 and other competition-related laws and policies.

During the signing ceremony, Aguinaldo noted that the LTO's digital shift, the rise of electric vehicles, and other land transportation issues underscored the need for cooperation between the agencies. He expressed hope that the memorandum would enhance the LTO's capabilities and encourage competitive pressure to improve service delivery, reduce corruption, and adopt new technologies.