The Department of Finance (DOF) has ordered the quick and round-the-clock processing of applications for tax and duty exemptions of donations to communities devastated by Typhoon “Odette.”

In response to President Duterte’s directive on expediting relief and rehabilitation efforts in the disaster-hit areas, Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III assured that they are ready to quickly process applications on the grant of the tax and duty exemptions.

Upon the request of Finance Undersecretary Antonette Tionko, Dominguez tasked officials and personnel of the Revenue Office of the DOF to be deployed and work in shifts on a 24-hour period to speed up the processing of Tax Exemption Indorsements (TEIs).

The 24-hour operations also aim to quickly release importations of donated relief consignments expected to come from various foreign governments and international organizations or institutions.

Dominguez also approved the request of Tionko to disseminate to the Office of the President and the public the guidelines and requirements on the issuance of TEIs as provided under Section 121 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).

Tionko said she made these requests “pending the issuance of the proclamation by the President declaring a state of national calamity because of Typhoon “Odette” and “in compliance with the President’s call to expedite the delivery of relief and rehabilitation efforts.”

President Duterte declared on Tuesday, Dec. 21, a state of calamity in six "Odette"-battered areas: Regions 4B (Mimaropa–Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan), 6 (Western Visayas), 7 (Central Visayas), 8 (Eastern Visayas), 10 (Northern Mindanao) and 13 (Caraga).

Appropriate government agencies such as the Departments of Social Welfare and Development, of Foreign Affairs, and of Health and the Office of Civil Defense may apply for TEIs that grant tax and duty exemptions to importations under Relief Consignment in the Bureau of Customs.

The local government units as well as private or non-government organizations duly registered, licensed or accredited by the appropriate government agencies may also apply for TEIs.

Relief consignments include food, medicine, equipment and materials for shelter, vehicles and other means of transport that are donated or leased to government institutions and accredited private entities, for free distribution to the affected population or for use during relief and rescue operations in disaster-affected areas.