TOH edition: Friday, 16 October 2026 · economy
Food Cartels Can Be Held Accountable: Philippines Imposes Record P1.76-Billion Fine on Onion Cartel
Reported by Rappler
Publisher date:
The Philippine Competition Commission imposed its largest-ever fine, a combined P1.76 billion, on onion cartel members for collusion in imports, cold storage and wholesale distribution. The decision demonstrates concrete enforcement against food-market manipulation, although it does not establish that shoppers will pay less.
Penalising collusion in an everyday food market shows that authorities can challenge practices that harm consumers, even though lower prices are not a proven outcome.
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