DOE seeks guidelines on zero-tariff imports

The Philippine Department of Energy (DOE) has urged the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to release the guidelines for the implementation of Executive Order 850, which reduces the tariff on imported petroleum products from 3% to 0%. A ranking energy official, who requested anonymity, said the DOE has also requested for a meeting with the BOC to settle concerns about the EO. According to the official, the issue on whether the impact of the reduction on the tariff estimated at Php0.70 (US$0.01) per liter will be retroactive, is also expected to be resolved during the meeting. (February 7, 2010)