NEWS
PCC underscores evolving approach to digital competition at Asia-Pacific dialogue
The Philippine Competition Commission( PCC) has signaled a more adaptive regulatory stance toward the region’ s fast-evolving digital economy, highlighting new tools and cross-border cooperation during the 11th Antitrust in Asia Conference in Hong Kong.
The PCC chair also referenced the agency’ s 2024 market study on digital platforms and online advertising – which concluded that the Philippines would benefit from a specialized regulatory framework given rising global scrutiny of Big Tech.
The event, organized by Concurrences, brought together policymakers, experts, and industry representatives from across the Asia-Pacific to examine emerging approaches to digital-market oversight.
Speaking on a panel on digital regulation, PCC Chairperson Michael Aguinaldo said the rapid expansion of digital platforms and datadriven business models requires competition authorities to continually refine their frameworks. He pointed to the PCC’ s 2023 Guidelines for the Motu Proprio Review of Mergers and Acquisitions in Digital Markets, which identify risks such as gatekeeping behavior, network effects, and data-centric operations. These indicators help regulators determine when digital transactions warrant deeper scrutiny.
Strengthened regional coordination, he said, will be essential in managing cross-border competition issues.
Aguinaldo further highlighted the Konektadong Pinoy Act, which became law in August 2025 and removes franchise requirements for data transmission providers. Under the law, the PCC will issue guidelines to ensure fair competition and may intervene in spectrum allocation.
“ Our guiding principle remains consumer welfare,” Aguinaldo said.
Aguinaldo cited the PCC’ s review of the Mitsui & Co – KDDI joint venture covering cloud-native architecture and customerrelationship management services as an example of the Commission’ s measured approach. The deal was cleared after regulators found no substantial lessening of competition due to low entry barriers and contractual safeguards.
Airbus launches Tech Hub in Korea
Airbus has officially opened its new Airbus
Tech Hub in Daejeon, strengthening South Korea’ s role as a key technology partner in the global aerospace industry.
Positioned in the country’ s leading R & D cluster, the hub will drive collaboration across three main fields: future energy solutions, advanced lightweight composites and nextgeneration defence and space technologies.
The hub is being launched in partnership with Korea’ s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy( MOTIE) and Daejeon Metropolitan City.
According to Mark Bentall, Airbus Head of R & T Programme, the investment marks a“ deepening commitment” after 50 years of cooperation with Korea, enabling Airbus to accelerate future aircraft technologies through Korean innovation.
To support rapid project development, Airbus signed three Memorandums of Understanding at the launch ceremony. The first, with MOTIE, establishes a framework for joint research programmes. The second, with Daejeon City, sets out support for Airbus initiatives within the city’ s tech ecosystem. The third, with the Korea International Trade Association( KITA), focuses on identifying new innovation partners through KITA’ s openinnovation platform.
Early projects include work with LIG Nex1 on space chip antenna technology for communication systems and with EMCoretech on active filtering technologies to support aircraft electrification.
Airbus’ long-standing presence in Korea includes partnerships with major suppliers Korea Aerospace Industries( KAI) and Korean Air Aerospace Division, contributing components for the A320, A330 and A350. Airbus procurement currently supports around 6,000 jobs and injects roughly USD 600 million into the Korean economy each year.
The new Daejeon hub joins existing Airbus Tech Hubs in Japan, the Netherlands and Singapore.
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