EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 378, November 05, 1996

DECLARING THE PERIOD FROM NOVEMBER 15 TO 30, 1996 AS SPECIAL APEC – PHILIPPINES CONSCIOUSNESS PROMOTION PERIOD AND AUTHORIZING THE CONDUCT OF SPECIAL TOURISM RELATED ACTIVITIES IN THE SUBIC BAY FREEPORT ZONE IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE ASIA-PACIFIC ECONOMIC COOPERATION CONFERENCE

WHEREAS, the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference will be hosted in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone from November 22 to 26, 1996;

WHEREAS, there is a need to heighten public awareness on the importance of the said conference and, at the same time, showcase to the Filipino, as well as the international community, the country’s culture, craftsmanship, industry and vibrant economy;

WHEREAS, the APEC conference in Subic is an exception venue for showcasing the competitiveness of Filipino products with foreign-manufactured items.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, FIDEL V. RAMOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order the following:

Section 1. The period from November 15 to 30, 1996 is hereby declared a Special APEC – Philippines Consciousness Promotion Period. Towards this end, the appropriate government agencies shall adopt and implement measures designed to fast-track APEC-related promotional activities in SBMA.

Section 2. The Department of Tourism (DOT), in coordination with the SBMA, shall conduct a special and intensive tourism program focusing on the APEC’s importance to the country and the people. The DOT is hereby authorized to call on the Department of Trade and Industry and duty-free stores in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, to showcase Filipino competitive products alongside foreign products sold therein.

Section 3. Subject to the existing limitations on allowable items to be sold, Filipinos, 15 years of age or over, are hereby extended a limited duty-free shopping privilege to purchase and bring out of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, consumer items not exceeding US $ 100.00 in value during the period of November 15 to 30, 1996.

Section 4. Zone residents, foreign tourists, balikbayans, overseas contract workers and returning residents (from abroad) shall be entitled to the same tax and duty-free privileges they presently enjoy.

Section 5. The sale of tax and duty-free consumer items under this Order shall be allowed only in duly authorized duty-free shops jointly regulated by the Bureau of Customs and the SBMA to ensure proper accounting of sales.

Section 6. The Departments of Tourism, Trade and Industry and Finance/Bureau of Customs shall, in coordination with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, promulgate and adopt the rules and regulations to implement this Order.

Section 7. This Executive Order shall take effect immediately.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 5th day of November in the year of Our Lord, Nineteen Hundred and Ninety-Six

By the President:

(SGD.) RUBEN D. TORRES

Executive Secretary