Three Days Later


    The conference room at Reyes Corporation''s headquarters had been transformed into a mock hearing space. A row of chairs, a central podium, and screens disying documents created a formal atmosphere. Michael sat at the head of the table, nked by his legal counsel Luis Montenegro, along with members of his PR and finance teams.


    Luis stood at the front of the room, briefing everyone on the agenda. "Today, we''re going to run through the key areas of questioning. We''ll start with the PCC hearing, where they''ll focus on the acquisitions and alleged dominance in the market. After that, we''ll move on to the Senate hearing, which is going to be much more about public perception."


    Michael nodded, his expression calm but focused. "Let''s get started."


    Luis walked up to the podium, ying the role of the PCC''smissioner. He flipped through a stack of papers and began, "Mr. Reyes, can you provide a detailed exnation of how Reyes Corporation''s recent acquisitions have impactedpetition in the market?"


    Michael nced at the team, then turned his attention to Luis. "Our acquisitions were made with the goal of improving efficiency and enhancing consumer choice. Each acquisition has resulted in new product innovations and lower prices for the public. We''ve created an environment wherepetition thrives because we push the industry to improve."


    Luis nodded and followed up, "What would you say to usations that these acquisitions have consolidated too much market power, making it harder for smallerpanies topete?"


    Without missing a beat, Michael responded, "Reyes Corporation operates in apetitive market where otherpanies are still thriving. We''ve introduced technologies and services that benefit consumers, but we have not engaged in any practices that excludepetitors. In fact, we''ve created more opportunities for others to enter the market."


    Luis held up a hand, signaling for a pause. "That''s good, but when they push on market share, I want you to emphasize the economic impact—jobs created, innovations introduced, and increased ess for consumers. These are critical points for both the PCC and Senate hearings."


    Michael nodded, making a mental note. "Got it. Let''s move to the Senate part."


    Luis shifted to a new line of questioning, this time adopting a more public tone. "Mr. Reyes, there''s growing concern among small businesses that Reyes Corporation''s influence is too vast. Many feel that you''re pricing them out of the market. What''s your response to this?"


    Michael took a breath, knowing this was where the stakes would be highest. "I''d point to the Consumer Act of the Philippines, which highlights affordability and ess for consumers. Reyes Corporation has adhered to all regtions, ensuring that prices arepetitive and fair. The innovations we''ve introduced have actually reduced costs in key sectors, benefiting consumers and small businesses alike."


    Luis stepped away from the podium. "Good. You''ll want to be concise but firm when ites to the Senate. They''ll try to paint you as a corporate giant crushing small businesses. Keep the focus on how Reyes Corporation has added value—not just to the market but to the economy."


    Michael nodded again, feeling the weight of whaty ahead. The practice was helping, but he knew that nothing would fully prepare him for the real thing. Still, he had confidence in the team and in the work they''d done.


    "Alright, let''s go over the data points again," Michael said, signaling the finance team to present the key statistics. They would need every figure ready, every response practiced to perfection.


    ***


    October 5th, 1930


    Michael stepped out of the ck sedan as the car pulled up in front of the Philippine Competition Commission building. Outside, he was met by a throng of reporters and photographers swarming from the entrance.


    Cameras shed rapidly, and microphones were shoved toward him, reporters moring for a statement.


    "Mr. Reyes, anyment on today''s hearing?"


    "Is Reyes Corporation monopolizing the market?"


    Michael kept his expression calm, his legal counsel Luis Montenegro by his side. nked by a couple of security personnel, they walked steadily toward the building''s entrance. Luis leaned in slightly, keeping his voice low.


    "Remember, noments to the media. We''ll let the hearing speak for itself."


    Michael nodded subtly. He had dealt with media attention before, but this was different. Today wasn''t just about hispany''s image—it was about defending Reyes Corporation''s entire future.


    As they entered the lobby, the noise from outside faded, reced by the echo of their footsteps across the marble floors. The PCC''s hearing room was on the second floor, and as they ascended the stairs, Michael could see government officials and PCC staff moving purposefully, preparing for the proceedings.


    Luis briefed him onest time as they reached the doors of the hearing room. "Stick to the facts. You''ve practiced this. They''lle at us hard on acquisitions and market dominance, but we''ve got the data to show we''re within legal bounds. Don''t let them bait you into anything spective."


    Michael straightened his tie, taking a deep breath. "Let''s do this."@@novelbin@@


    As they entered the room, Michael took in the formal setupmissioners seated at a long table at the front, their expressions unreadable. To the side, several observers, likely representing other businesses, and legal experts. The room buzzed with quiet anticipation.


    He sat down at his assigned spot, facing themissioners. Luis took his seat next to him, cing a thick stack of documents on the table—everything they needed to defend against the PCC''s scrutiny.


    One of themissioners, an older man with graying hair, adjusted his sses and spoke into the microphone. "This hearing is called to order. We are here today to review potential vitions under Republic Act No. 10667, the Philippine Competition Act, regarding possible antipetitive behavior and dominance in the market by Reyes Corporation."


    Michael kept his expression neutral, prepared for the line of questioning that would follow. This was it—the beginning of a long legal hurdle. And he intended to emerge unscathed.


    "Please introduce yourself," one of themissioners instructed.


    Michael sat up straight, adjusting his suit jacket slightly. "My name is Michael Reyes, CEO of Reyes Corporation."


    The leadmissioner, the older man with the graying hair, nodded. "Thank you, Mr. Reyes. We''ll begin with the first round of questions."