PRESS RELEASE
20 March 2025

PCC, LEB, UP CLPP launch Specialized Academic Track and Post-Graduate Certificate Program on Competition Law

PCC-LEB-UP CLPP Technical Working Group officials and members during the ceremonial signing of the Specialized Academic Track and Post-Graduate Certificate Program on Competition Law on March 14, 2025 at the LEB office. Front row (from left): PCC Commissioner and TWG Co-Chair Lolibeth Ramit-Medrano and LEB Chairperson Jason R. Barlis. Back row (from left): Lenvic Ellicer R. Lesigues (representing Atty. Alyssa Carmelli P. Castillo of the PCC Competition Enforcement Office), Atty. Mario T. Rosete III of the PCC Mergers and Acquisitions Office, Atty. Gwen Grecia-de Vera of the UP CLPP, LEB Commissioners Lorenzo R. Reyes and Salex E. Alibogha, and Mr. Rodrigo C. Sagum of the LEB-Standards Development Regulatory Office. Courtesy of LEB

The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC), in partnership with the Legal Education Board (LEB) and the University of the Philippines College of Law Competition Law and Policy Program (UP CLPP), launched the Specialized Academic Track and Post-Graduate Certificate Program on Competition Law in a ceremonial signing event on March 14 at the LEB Office.

PCC Commissioner Lolibeth Ramit-Medrano highlighted the importance of the event in promoting fair market competition and ensuring that future legal professionals are well-equipped to handle complex competition cases.  “With globalization of trade, investments and services, competition law is a powerful tool to provide safeguards designed to protect consumer welfare at the same time foster a balanced, competitive and dynamic business environment,” Medrano explained.

LEB Chairperson Jason Barlis reaffirmed the LEB’s commitment to enhancing legal education by integrating competition law into academic curricula. He emphasized how the initiative aligns with LEB’s broader efforts to equip future lawyers with specialized knowledge in emerging legal fields.

The event is a milestone in strengthening legal education and expertise on competition law in the Philippines. Developed through extensive consultation with legal education institutions, the two academic programs align with the Philippine Competition Act and international best practices on competition law.

The Specialized Academic Track under the Juris Doctor program consists of a 12-unit curriculum focused on core competencies in competition law. It covers essential topics such as anti-competitive agreements, abuse of dominance, merger control, and the impact of emerging technologies on competition.

Meanwhile, the Post-Graduate Certificate Program is a 64-hour (16-week) intensive course designed for professionals—including lawyers, economists, and policymakers—seeking specialized training in competition law. It delves into key areas such as anti-competitive practices, market monopolization, mergers and acquisitions, consumer protection, and regulatory enforcement. The program also follows a stackable credential system, allowing participants to credit completed courses toward a Master of Laws degree.

Following the ceremonial approval, the Technical Working Group (TWG) behind the specialized programs discussed next steps, including the conduct of training for law college professors and instructors, and integrating competition law principles into broader legal subjects. The TWG is composed of members from the PCC, LEB, and UP CLPP.

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REFERENCE:  
publicaffairs@phcc.gov.ph  
Public Affairs and Research Division
Communications and Knowledge Management Office
Philippine Competition Commission

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