BAT Philippines wants more competition

British American Tobacco Philippines has joined calls for the passage of a competition law that would curb monopolies and unfair trade practices in the country, according to a story in The Philippine Star.

“We support the call recently aired by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and other business groups urging Congress to give priority to the enactment of these laws, which have been pushed in previous congresses, but unfortunately have not been approved,” BAT general manager James Lafferty was quoted as saying.

“As a relatively new entrant and currently still small player in the tobacco industry, we recognize the importance of a robust competition law that can protect the interest of small players. This is true not only for tobacco but across all industries,” he added.

Lafferty concurred with the PCCI’s position that the proposed law, when implemented, would spur further growth in the local economy and attract more foreign investment into the country.