ARISE Plus Philippines led the workshop on optimizing the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Program for Bureau of Customs Readiness, focusing on advanced supply chain and logistics principles to raise awareness among economic operators.
The workshop comprised six sessions explaining how the AEO program can serve as a Future Game Changer, highlighting its tangible benefits to companies. Coca-Cola Beverage Philippines Inc. (CCBPI) and Toyota Motors Philippines (TMP) shared their experiences with the AEO program. Topics covered included support for Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs), the use of modern technologies to bolster the AEO, the AEO Scheme for SMEs, and initiatives such as green customs and digitalization.
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has recently implemented CAO 01-2024, showcasing significant reduction in fees for customs bonded warehouses (CBW), with a specific focus on supporting Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) while also streamlining regulatory processes. This move comes in response to widespread appeals from stakeholders within the industry and seeks to bring uniformity to the diverse fee structures previously in place. One of the key revisions introduced by this order is the reduction in supervision fees, particularly benefiting MSMEs operating as members of CBW.
The Philippine National Police-Firearms and Explosives Office (PNP-FEO), through the Explosives Management Division (EMD), recently provided crucial updates on the Regulations and Control of Explosives, Explosive Ingredients (EEIs), Controlled Chemicals (CCs), and Firecrackers and Pyrotechnic Devices (FCPDs).
The EMD highlighted their Accomplishments for the CY 2023. Notably, there was a significant increase in the issuance of licenses and permits, totaling 5,924 and amounting to PHP 28,164,221.38. This represents a noteworthy surge compared to the fees collected in 2022, which amounted to PHP 25,798,680.88.
The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) recently conducted an Economic and Ease of Doing Business briefing to strengthen strategic investment and promote economic opportunities. The event featured Secretary Frederick D. Go, the newly appointed Special Assistant to the President (SAPIEA) for Investment and Economic Affairs.
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC), Committee on the Ban on Firearms and Security Concerns (CBFSC), and the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) formally ink the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) simplifying and harmonizing the procedures related to Gun Ban policy issuances, including the Certificate of Authority to Transport (CA-TT) and improved online payment processes.
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) marked a significant milestone through the official signing of the Data Sharing Agreement (DSA) on Access to the Electronic Tracking of Containerized Cargo (E-TRACC) system. This agreement symbolizes the enhanced efficiency and security of trade and operations within economic zones in the Philippines.
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and Department of Trade and Industry-Strategic Trade Management Office (STMO) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for bolstering the implementation of Republic Act No. 10697, also known as the Strategic Trade Management Act (STMA), in the Philippines.
As a long-time partner in streamlining processes and trade facilitation in the country, the Export Development Council, through its Networking Committee on Trade Policies and Procedures Simplification (NCTPPS), lauds BOC’s buy-in to achieving Digital Transformation.
The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) gears up to implement Green Lanes for Strategic Investments under Executive Order (EO) 18, series of 2023. Said EO defines those that are aligned with the Philippine Development Plan or any equivalent national development plan and can be characterized by significant capital or investment in the country as a strategic investment.
The PNP-FEO led the CA-TT Writeshop for the awareness of concerned stakeholders on the application and processes of the Committee of the Ban on Firearms and Security Concerns (CBFSC) in applying for exemptions and Certificate of Authority to Transport (CA-TT) during the gun ban period on every election.
COMELEC Resolution No. 10918 gives guidance on the Gun Ban policy for the Barangay and SK Elections (BSKE) 2023. Mr. Jay Anastacio, resource speaker from COMELEC explained the procedures and common denial grounds on the electronic filing of the CA-TT. After the online filing, the applicant receives notification of Incomplete Requirements if the applicant has unaccomplished or incomplete submission of documents. On the other hand, applicant receives the payment instruction notice with the application number and the processing fee once the application is verified and approved.
The said writeshop was led by PBGen Benjamin Silo Jr., Acting Director of the Civil Security Group (CSG), PBGen Leumar Abugan Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies (SOSIA) Chief, PBGen Andrew Cayad, Deputy Director for Operations and Member and representative of the PNP in the CBFSC, PBGen Dominic Bedia, Deputy Director of the CSG, Col. Joel Bonavente Executive Director of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Atty Akia Co of COMELEC and and held at Camp Crame last 20 June 2023.
To assist PH exporters further, the EDC Networking Committee on Trade Policies and Procedures Simplification (EDC-NCTPPS) strongly advocates for the removal of PNP Controlled chemicals from the COMELEC Gun Ban (requiring for a CA-TT) as it is already highly regulated. The NCTPPS continuously initiate efforts in streamlining and harmonizing the procedures conforming to the East of Doing Business particularly on transporting PNP Controlled Chemicals during the Election Gun Ban period. AGPM
