By Lilybeth Ison/Philippine News Agency
MANILA — President Rodrigo R. Duterte has signed Executive Order No. 82, which maintains the 5 percent tariff on mechanically deboned meat (MDM) of chicken and turkey and their offals.
The new EO, signed on June 13, 2019 amends EO No. 23 signed by the President in 2017, wherein concessionary rates on certain agricultural products should go back to the 2012 levels once the quantitative restriction (QR) on rice is removed and converted into ordinary customs duties.
On March 5, the rice trade liberalization law, which removed the QR on rice, took effect.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc. (PAMPI) lauded the President’s order to reduce the tariff on MDM of chicken to 5 percent, saying it “reflects the government’s determined efforts to spur the growth of the local manufacturing industry.”
“MDM chicken is a vital raw material in the manufacture of processed meat products and is not locally produced. The President’s action sends a strong signal to local and foreign investors that the investment climate in the Philippines is fair, attractive and competitive,” said PAMPI in a statement.
“PAMPI fully supports government’s efforts to promote economic growth while ensuring affordable food products to its people,” it added.
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