Metro Manila, Philippines – The government has imposed a combined fine of ₱1.76 billion on six companies and four officers allegedly involved in an onion cartel for “illegal market allocation,” the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) said on Thursday, Oct. 15.

The PCC said the penalty was the largest so far for violations to the Philippine Competition Act and since the agency was established in 2016.

The agency said the decision aims to hold accountable businesses and persons behind the sharp price increase on red and white onions, considered as “prime commodities,” in 2022 when it reached ₱800 per kilogram, exceeding the cost of meat and the minimum wage.

The PCC said authorities found through a September 2023 court-ordered search on the offices of the respondents that the cartel controlled almost 50 percent of “all approved import clearances” in 2020 and 2021.

“By imposing the maximum fines, the PCC underscores its commitment to holding cartels accountable across all sectors of the economy and protecting consumers from the harmful effects of anti-competitive conduct,” PCC executive director Kenneth Tanate was quoted as saying in the statement.

NewsWatch Plus has reached out to the businesses and individuals for comment.

“By imposing the maximum fines, the PCC underscores its commitment to holding cartels accountable across all sectors of the economy and protecting consumers from the harmful effects of anti-competitive conduct,” said Philippine Competition Commission executive director Kenneth Tanate.