President Duterte has issued an executive order (EO) creating the Philippine Trade Facilitation Committee (PTFC) to comply with the country's commitments under the World Trade Organization-Trade Facilitation Agreement (WTO-TFA).
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea signed EO No. 136 on May 18.
Based on the EO, there is a need to establish the PTFC, a body that would streamline and improve customs procedures and facilitate the implementation of rational, efficient, and simple customs rules.
It is also seen to reduce the cost of trade transactions and enable micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises to participate more actively in international trade.
Under the EO, the PTFC shall be chaired by the Department of Finance (DOF) and will be co-chaired by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The Bureau of Customs (BOC) shall serve as vice-chairperson.
Meanwhile, the following will serve as members of the PTFC:
- Department of Agriculture (DA)
- Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
- National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)
- Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
- Department of Transportation (DOTr)
- Tariff Commission
- Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)
- Department of -Bureau of International Trade Relations
- DTI-Bureau of Import Services
- Food and Drug Administration
- Philippine Economic Zone Authority
Duties and responsibilities
Based on the EO, the PTFC shall study, propose, and coordinate the position, activities, or actions of the Philippine government on matters pertaining to the implementation of the WTO-TFA and other trade facilitation commitments.
The body shall represent and advance the country's interests in trade facilitation meetings and submit reports on the compliance of the Philippines with the WTO-TFA and other trade commitments.
The PTFC shall likewise coordinate with relevant government agencies and stakeholders on trade-related concerns.
It is tasked to propose to the NEDA Board Committee on Tariff and Related Matter (CRTM) trade regulations, measures, and practices that are consistent with the objectives of the WTO-TFA to expedite movement, release, and clearance of goods.
The new body shall undertake outreach, advocacy, capacity-building, and studies among its members and stakeholders to increase awareness of the best practices and benefits of trade facilitation.