MALACAŅAN PALACE
Manila
Executive Order No. 143
INSTITUTING EFFECTIVE OPERATIONAL
MECHANISM AND STRATEGIES IN THE TARIFF COMMISSION
WHEREAS, recent developments in international trade brought about
by the coming into force of the World Trade Organization, the acceleration of the Common
Effective Preferential Tariff (CEPT) Scheme in the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), and the
trade liberalization initiatives under the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum
have necessitated a comprehensive and radical restructuring of the Philippine tariff
system;
WHEREAS,in view of these developments the Tariff Reform Program has
been restructured to promote global competitiveness, simplify the tariff structure,
facilitate trade, and level the playing field for local industries vis-a-vis
foreign competitors;
WHEREAS, the Tariff Commission, as the agency responsible for
undertaking a thorough study of the Philippine Trade and Tariff system, should adopt
operational strategies and activities to make it effective in encouraging the development
and growth of efficient, self-reliant, innovative, progressive and globally competitive
Philippine industries;
WHEREAS, under Section 20, Chapter 7, Title 1, Book III of
Executive Order No. 292 (Administrative Code of 1987), the President of the Philippines is
empowered to exercise such powers and functions vested in him which are provided for under
the laws;
WHEREAS, under Section 78 of the General Provisions of Republic Act
No. 8522 (FY 1998 General Appropriations Act), the President may direct changes in the
organization and key positions in any department, bureau or agency;
WHEREAS, under Section 80 of the General Provisions of Republic Act
No. 8522 (FY 1998 General Appropriations Act), heads of departments, bureaus and agencies
are directed to scale down, phase-out or abolish activities no longer essential in the
delivery of public services;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH EJERCITO ESTRADA, President of the
Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order:
Section 1. Roles of the Commission.
In the light of freer and more liberal trading environment, the following functions of the
Commission shall be strengthened and emphasized:
1.1. Institutionalization and
acceleration of economic reforms to raise levels of competition, encourage economic
efficiency, and improve consumer welfare;
1.2. Intensification of all
measures to strengthen the Philippine trade relations with all other countries, economies,
and institutions in the international community;
1.3. Provision of trade
assistance and facilitation to domestic industry;
1.4. Investigation of
anti-dumping practices of foreign industries affecting the Philippine economy, and
expedite the fair and thorough adjudication of all cases involving trade measures;
1.5. Reinforcement of all
research activities that study levels of competition and contestability in our economy and
monitor the trade practices and activities of all other countries, economies, and
institutions in the international community; and
1.6. Conduct of a continuing
program of advocacy to promote new developments in international trade and tariff policy.
Section 2. Organizational and
Operational Streamlining. To achieve efficiency and effectiveness, the
Commission shall study/review its existing operational process, systems and set-up, and
determine appropriate mechanisms and strategies to meet its mandated functions. The
recommended arrangements shall be submitted to the Department of Budget and Management for
approval before their adoption by the Commission.
Section 3. Redeployment of Personnel.
The redeployment of personnel in the Commission as a result of the approved operational
set-up shall not result in the diminution in the rank and compensation of the personnel of
the Commission, and shall take into account all pertinent Civil Service laws and rules.
Section 4. Funding. Funds needed to
carry out the provisions of this Executive Order shall be taken from funds available in
the Commission. Provided, that the total cost for necessary staffing changes as a
result of the implementation of this Order shall not exceed available funds for the
Personal Service.
Section 5. Effectivity. This
Executive Order shall take effect immediately.
DONE in the City of Manila, this 21st day of August in the year of
our Lord, Nineteen Hundred and Ninety-Nine.
By:
(Sgd.) RONALDO B. ZAMORA
Executive Secretary
(Sgd.) JOSEPH EJERCITO ESTRADA
President
