In the ever-evolving world of business, where companies grow, merge, and shift strategies like pieces on a chessboard, rules must keep up with the pace. On April 15, 2025, the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) made a move of its own—raising the thresholds for mandatory reporting of mergers and acquisitions (M&As). This update, the eighth since the Philippine Competition Act was passed in 2015, aims to better reflect the current economic climate and ensure that only significant deals come under scrutiny. With the new thresholds in place as of March 1, 2025, businesses must now recalibrate their strategies to stay in step with regulatory changes.
Beginning March 1, 2025, companies planning a merger or acquisition (M&A) must notify the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) if their deal meets the new thresholds:
- PHP 8.5 billion for the size of person
- PHP 3.5 billion for the size of transaction
If a transaction meets these amounts, the companies must submit a notification to the PCC and wait for approval before they can move forward with the transaction. This rule follows the guidelines under the Philippine Competition Act (PCA) and the Rules on Merger Procedure..
The new thresholds replaced the old ones — PHP 7.8 billion for size of person and PHP 3.2 billion for size of transaction — which were used from March 1, 2024, to February 28, 2025.
Any notifications submitted before March 1, 2025, as well as ongoing reviews and decisions already made by the PCC, will not be affected by the new rules.
At Abo and Peñaranda Law, we provide clear, strategic guidance to help companies navigate the complexities of Philippine competition law. From determining if a deal meets the new thresholds to preparing and filing the required notifications, our team ensures that every step complies with legal standards. Whether you’re in the early planning stages or already negotiating a deal, we’re here to support your business every step of the way—so you can move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
