Gov't launches int'l policy office

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The government has established an office responsible for formulating and reviewing strategic international interests in relation to competition policy and law, a senior government official said today.

Department of Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said the DOJ-Office for Competition (OFC) formed its International Division, which complements its other existing divisions.

The International Division was created in view of the increasing requests from fellow government agencies for OFC to participate in several trade agreements and negotiations which have their own competition policy chapters, she said.

"This dedicated unit will reinforce our commitment to forging international partnerships in the field of competition policy and law in light of globalization and regional economic integration," De Lima said.

Assistant Secretary Geronimo Sy, Head of the OFC, said the International Division will increase engagement with stake-holders and provide focus on advocacy.