Malacañang releases AO on National Competition Policy

Malacañang on Wednesday published an administrative order on the adoption and implementation of the National Competition Policy, which imposes a supportive economic and credible competition policy environment that will level the playing field and encourage more investments.

Under Section 1 of Administrative Order No. 44, all national government agencies including bureaus, offices and instrumentalities, government-owned or controlled corporations (GOCCs) and local government units must enforce the NCP and its key elements.

"All government policies, rules, regulations and interventions shall support objectives of the NCP and foster a culture of competition," it said.

Moreover, under Section 2, the Inter-Agency Task Force under the Administrative Order No. 25 on the Harmonization of National Government Performance, Monitoring, Information and Reporting Systems, along with the Department of the Interior and Local Government, must integrate the adoption of NCP as part of good governance conditions to grant performance-based bonus to government personnel and awarding of Seal of Good Local Governance to LGUs.

"The AO No. 25 Task Force and the DILG shall prescribe the corresponding conditions for eligibility for said benefits," read the order.

The NCP also stemmed from the outcomes envisioned under the Updated Philippine Development Plan from 2017 to 2022.

An effective NCP will aid in government responses and interventions to address market failures and distortions due to the public health crisis, the order also indicated. — Consuelo Marquez/BM, GMA News