TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
SENATE
S. No. 1064
Senate
'ii’lfiCf of Ii)C jill'ft;‘’-t»
25 AUG “6 P4:25
HtCEiVEDfiY:
Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada
AN ACT
TO DEVELOP EXPORTS AS A KEY TO ACCELERATING ECONOMIC GROWTH 
AND ENHANCING THE GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS OF PHILIPPINE 
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES, THEREBY AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7844 
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE EXPORT DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 1994, AND 
FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Philippine export sector remains a vital pillar of economic growth and a key 
driver in the country's integration into the global marketplace. As a foundation in 
pursuing economic development, our country has worked to improve its export 
performance under past administrations.
According to preliminary data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority 
(PSA) in its International Merchandise Trade Statistics of the Philippines, March 2025, 
the country's total export sales amounted to USD 6.59 billion, reflecting an annual 
growth of 5.9% compared to the same period in the previous year. For the first quarter 
of 2025 alone, total exports reached USD 19.27 billion, up 5.7% year-on-year.
Among the top-performing commodity groups were electronic products, which 
accounted for USD 3.64 billion or 55.2% of the country's total exports in March 2025. 
Manufactured goods continued to dominate, contributing over 80% of total exports. 
Meanwhile, the United States remained the largest single-country destination for


Philippine exports, with USD 1.11 billion in export value, highlighting the importance 
of the country's trade partnerships with advanced economies.
These data demonstrate both the strength and potential of Philippine exports. 
However, despite these gains, our exporters, particularly micro, small, and medium 
enterprises (MSMEs), continue to face challenges in competitiveness, market access, 
regulatory compliance, and innovation.
This proposed measure seeks to strengthen support for MSMEs; integrate 
quality apprenticeships, digital upskilling initiatives, and enterprise-based learning 
models into the country's educational system; institutionalize benchmarking and 
market intelligence mechanisms; establish an export green lane facility; rationalize 
export requirements; prohibit the collection of export-related fees not expressly 
authorized by law; and institutionalize the annual celebration of a National Exporter's 
Week, among others reforms.
A similar measure was filed by Senator Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara during 
the 19th Congress, during which committee hearings were conducted to gather 
insights from industry experts and stakeholders.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
NGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
SENATE
S. No. 1064
Senate
i0ffitc of til!* 'ir^>
25 AUG-6 P4:25
RHCEIVED BY.
Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada
AN ACT
TO DEVELOP EXPORTS AS A KEY TO ACCELERATING ECONOMIC GROWTH 
AND ENHANCING THE GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS OF PHILIPPINE 
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES, THEREBY AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7844 
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE EXPORT DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 1994, AND 
FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Exports and
2 
Investments Development Act".
3 
Sec. 2, Section 2 of Republic Act No. 7844, otherwise known as the "Export
4 
Development Act of 1994" shall be amended as follows:
5 
"Sec. 2. Declaration of policy. - It shall be the policy of
6 
the State to evolve export development into a national effort
7 
AND TRANSFORM THE PHILIPPINES INTO AN
8 
EXPORTING NATION. The [government] STATE shall
9 
champion exports as a focal strategy for [a] THE
10 
ACCELERATION OF INCLUSIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH,
11 
INVESTMENTS PROMOTION, EFFICIENT TRANSFER
12 
OF KNOWLEDGE AND KNOW-HOW, SCIENTIFIC AND
13 
TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION, AND sustainable agri-
14 
industrial development [to achieve—Philippine—NIChood
15 
towards the year 2000. The private sector shall take the lead


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In the collective effort to promote exports through discipline
2 
and hord work, as it confronts the challenge of winning
3 
International markets.]
4 
"[-The government and the private sector shall jointly
5 
transform the Philippines into an exporting nation.] IT IS
6 
THE POLICY OF THE STATE TO IMPROVE THE
7 
CONTRIBUTION OF EXPORTS TO NATIONAL
8 
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, BY ELEVATING THE
9 
DIVERSITY, SOPHISTICATION, AND QUALITY OF
10 
PRODUCTS THAT ARE PRODUCED AND/OR SOURCED
11 
DOMESTICALLY FOR EXPORT PURPOSES. Towards this
12 
end, the State shall instill in the Filipino people that exporting
13 
is [not just a sectoral con€efn,-boTtho key-tonational-5orvival
14 
and the means through which the economic-^oals-of increased
15 
employment and enhanced incomes can-mest-expeditiously
16 
he achieved.] KEY TO NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND A
17 
MEANS TO EXPEDITIOUSLY REDUCE POVERTY,
18 
PROVIDE EMPLOYMENT, AND INCREASE THE
19 
AVERAGE INCOME OF FILIPINO HOUSEHOLDS.
20 
Sec. 3. Section 3 of Republic Act No. 7844, otherwise known as the "Export
21 
Development Act of 1994" shall be amended as follows:
22 
"Sec. 3. Key Operating Principles. - A macro-economic
23 
policy framework that supports export development shall be
24 
provided, especially in key areas of concern to exporters:
25 
"a) X X x;
26 
"b) Fiscal and credit policies shall provide adequate
27 
funds for public andprivate investments and business
28 
expansion, while keeping the cost of credit comparable to
29 
international levels ensuring access to loanable funds for
30 
[SMEs] MICRO, SMALL, AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES
31 
(MSMES), as well as highly technical AND INNOVATIVE
32 
export enterprises, especially those in the countryside;


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"c) X X x;
"d) X X x;
"e) Technical support policies to improve the quality of 
export products shall be adopted, particularly those relating 
to technology transfer, R&D, technical training and related 
activities, INCLUDING THOSE THAT REQUIRE FOREIGN 
INVESTMENT OR INVOLVE ASSISTANCE FROM 
FOREIGN PARTNERS WHEREVER APPLICABLE, 
SUBJECT TO RELEVANT LAWS AND REGULATIONS. As 
such, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and 
the Department of Agriculture (DA) shall be supported by 
colleges and universities in the diffusion of technology, 
information and training to the countryside for agri-industrial 
and export development;
"f) Urgent attention must be given to policies affecting 
infrastructure in order to ensure the adequate supply and 
quality of power, water [c.g., for irrigation], transportation 
[e-.§., shipping and cargo handling], and communication to 
support the flow of goods and services in the context of the 
national export drive;
"g) The link between export growth and countryside 
development must be strengthened through policies favorable 
to MSMEs, regional industrial centers, and export processing 
zones to boost rural and farm-based entrepreneurship in 
identified geographic economic growth areas of the country;
"h) Labor and industrial relations policies must 
recognize the inevitable industrial shifts that will occur in the 
effort to achieve international competitiveness. Focus shall be 
given to the formulation of accords between labor and 
management which shall provide for sustained increase in 
productivity and competitiveness. In line with this, dual 
training schemes, QUALITY APPRENTICESHIPS,


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DIGITAL UPSKILLING INITIATIVES AND OTHER 
ENTERPRISE-BASED MODALITIES OF LEARNING 
THAT INVOLVE CLOSE COLLABORATION BETWEEN 
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND THE PRIVATE 
SECTOR shall be integrated as a basic component to the 
country's primary and secondary education program to ensure 
that the manpower needs of agriculture and industry will be 
matched by the skills generated by the educational system. 
Reasonable price and income policies shall likewise be 
adopted in order to safeguard the interest of the labor sector;
"i) All government agencies whose regulations affect 
exporters [such as the Board of Investments (BOI), Bureau of 
Customs (BOC) and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)] shall 
IMPLEMENT REGULATORY REFORMS AND simplify 
THEIR procedures to [minimize bureaucratic red-tape] 
INCREASE EFFICIENCY AND REDUCE 
TRANSACTIONAL COSTS IN CONSONANCE WITH R.A. 
11032 OR THE EASE OF DOING BUSINESS AND 
EFFICIENT GOVERNMENT SERVICE DELIVERY ACT OF 
2018.
"3) EFFECTIVE TARGETING OF EXPORT 
MARKETS, POTENTIAL LOCATORS AND INVESTORS, 
PRODUCTS FOR DEVELOPMENT, AND NEW GROWTH 
OPPORTUNITIES SHALL BE INFORMED AND GUIDED 
BY PROPER SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS OF RELEVANT 
DATA AND INFORMATION. AS SUCH, THE 
DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY (DTI) SHALL 
COORDINATE AND JOINTLY IMPLEMENT WITH THE 
PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY (PSA), AND 
OTHER APPROPRIATE GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, 
DATA-COLLECTION PROCEDURES, DATA-SHARING 
ARRANGEMENTS, RELEVANT SUBSCRIPTIONS AND


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OTHER MECHANISMS THAT ENABLE THE PROPER
2 
MEASUREMENT OF THE COUNTRY'S PRODUCTIVE
3 
CAPABILITIES AND KNOW-HOW, ITS RELATIVE
4 
COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGE IN CERTAIN PRODUCTS
5 
AND SERVICES, AND OTHER FACTORS RELEVANT TO
6 
THE FULFILLMENT OF THE OBJECTIVES OF THIS ACT.
7 
WHEREVER FEASIBLE, SUCH DATA AND
8 
INFORMATION SHALL BE DISAGGREGATED INTO
9 
NATIONAL, REGIONAL, PROVINCIAL, AND CITY OR
10 
MUNICIPALITY LEVELS OF ANALYSIS."
11 
"[(H^ K- Provisions of existing laws deemed
12 
detrimental to the export sector shall be repealed in
13 
subsequent acts.
14 
Sec. 4. Section 4 of Republic Act No. 7844, otherwise known as the "Export
15 
Development Act of 1994" shall be amended as follows:
16 
"Sec. 4. Definition of Terms. - For the purposes of this
17 
Act, the following definitions shall apply to the following
18 
terms:
19 
"a) "Exportef means any person, natural or juridical,
20 
licensed to do business in the Philippines, engaged directly or
21 
indirectly in the production, manufacture, assembly,
22 
processing, or trade of products or services which earns at
23 
least fifty percent (50%) of its normal operating revenues
24 
from the sale of its products or services abroad for foreign
25 
currency: Provided, That in the case of services, the same
26 
shall be limited to [information—technology—services,
27 
eenstruction services and other] services as defined jointly by
28 
the Department of Finance (DOF) and the Department of
29 
Trade and Industry (DTI). Services rendered by overseas
30 
contract workers are not covered by [the] this definition.
31 
"b) X X x;


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"c)"Export incentive^' shall refer to support measures,
2 
FISCAL AND NON-FISCAL, provided by the government to
3 
exporters to encourage investment in the export sector,
4 
create a freer trade environment and motivate exporters to
5 
increase export sales and perform competitively in the
6 
[expert] GLOBAL market. The overall objective is to increase
7 
the country's export sales.
8 
"d) ''Accredited EXPORT Organizatiorf shall refer to
9 
the organization of exporters granted accreditation by the
10 
Export Development Council, as provided in Section 7(1) of
11 
this Act.
12 
"E) "SOPHISTICATED" REFERS TO THE STATE
13 
WHEN A PRODUCT OR SERVICE REQUIRES A HIGH
14 
NUMBER OF CAPABILITIES, COMPETENCIES OR
15 
KNOW-HOW TO BE PRODUCED OR OFFERED.
16 
"F) "SOPHISTICATION" REFERS TO THE
17 
NUMBER OF CAPABILITIES, COMPETENCIES, OR
18 
KNOW-HOW REQUIRED FOR A PRODUCT OR SERVICE
19 
TO BE OFFERED BY AN ECONOMY LIKE THAT OF THE
20 
PHILIPPINES."
21 
Sec. 5. Section 5 of Republic Act No. 7844, otherwise known as the "Export
22 
Development Act of 1994" shall be amended as follows:
23 
"Sec. 5. Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP). -
24 
The President of the Republic of the Philippines shall approve
25 
a rolling three-year Philippine Export Development Plan
26 
prepared by the [Department of^adc -and-Industry] DTI
27 
which shall form part of the [medium term] Philippine
28 
Development Plan ([MT]PDP). It shall be formulated AND
29 
VALIDATED in consultation with the RELEVANT
30 
GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND private sector [-, validated]
31 
TO BE REVIEWED and updated semestrally.


1 
"The PEDP shall define the country's annual and
2 
medium-term export thrusts, strategies, programs and
3 
projects INCLUDING THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE
4 
CAPABILITIES OF FILIPINO ENTERPRISES AND
5 
PROFESSIONALS TO PRODUCE AND OFFER
6 
INCREASINGLY SOPHISTICATED AND DIVERSIFIED
7 
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES, ALIGNED WITH THE
8 
PREVAILING STRATEGIC INVESTMENT PRIORITIES
9 
PLAN AND THE MICRO, SMALL, AND MEDIUM
10 
ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT (MSMED) PLAN. THE
11 
PEDP [afid] shall be jointly implemented by the government,
12 
export and other concerned sectors.
13 
"UPON APPROVAL OF THE PEDP, THE
14 
PRESIDENT SHALL DIRECT RELEVANT GOVERNMENT
15 
AGENCIES TO ALLOCATE FUNDS, UNDER THE
16 
GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT (GAA), IN SUPPORT
17 
OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PEDP WHICH
18 
SHALL BE MANAGED BY THE DTI - EXPORT
19 
MARKETING BUREAU.''
20 
Sec. 6. Section 6 of Republic Act No. 7844, otherwise known as the "Export
21 
Development Act of 1994" shall be amended as follows:
22 
"Sec. 6. Export Development Council. - The existing Export
23 
Development Council {{hereinafter—referred—to—as the
24 
"Council")-which was created by Executive Order No. 98
25 
[1993] as modified-by Executtve-Order No. 110-[1993],
26 
Executive -Order No. 180 [1994], and Republic-Act -7844
27 
(1994)] is hereby reorganized and restrengthened to suitably
28 
and periodically oversee the implementation of the PEDP and
29 
to continuously ensure proper coordination of the formulation
30 
and implementation of policy reforms to support the said
31 
Plan."


1 
Sec. 7. Section 7 of Republic Act No. 7844, otherwise known as the "Export
2 
Development Act of 1994" shall be amended as follows:
3 
"Sec. 7. Powers and Functions. - The Council shall:
4 
"a) [approve—the-PEDP; coordinate, monitor and
5 
SS5C53 ■the impicmcntation-thefeof,- and when necessary,
6 
institute appropriate adjustments thereon in the light of
7 
changing conditions in both the domestic and international
8 
environment^] ASSIST THE DTI IN DRAFTING THE
9 
PEDP WITH INPUTS FROM VARIOUS
10 
STAKEHOLDERS;
11 
"b) X X x;
12 
"C) ENDORSE TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE
13 
PHILIPPINES THE APPROVAL OF THE PEDP;
14 
COORDINATE, MONITOR AND ASSESS THE
15 
IMPLEMENTATION THEREOF, AND, WHEN
16 
NECESSARY, 
INSTITUTE 
APPROPRIATE
17 
ADJUSTMENTS THEREON IN THE LIGHT OF
18 
CHANGING CONDITIONS IN BOTH THE DOMESTIC
19 
AND INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTS;
20 
"[€] D) Identify the main bottlenecks, problems and
21 
constraints in all areas/sectors/activities which influence the
22 
competitiveness of exports [including but not limited to, such
23 
matters as policy framework; physical infrastructure, finance,
24 
technology, production, promotions and mar-kettng];
25 
"[d] E) Mandate specific departments and agencies
26 
to address the bottlenecks and problems constraining the
27 
[development] COMPETITIVENESS, SOPHISTICATION,
28 
AND DIVERSIFICATION of exports [in any of the areas
29 
mentioned in paragraph (c) above], and require the
30 
concerned Secretaries or their duly authorized
31 
representatives to [deliver] SUBMIT progress reports on the


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actions/initiatives taken to resolve these areas of concern at 
the [next message] SOONEST POSSIBLE TIME;
"[e] F) Ensure export quality control by overseeing 
the formulation and implementation of quality control 
guidelines by appropriate agencies to [make] ENABLE 
PRODUCTION OF SOPHISTICATED AND DIVERSIFIED 
Philippine exports WHICH ARE at par with world-class 
products;
"[f] G) Impose sanctions on any government agency 
or officer or employee thereof, or private sector entity that 
impedes efficient exportation of Philippine goods;
"[§] H) Recommend to Congress any proposed 
legislation that would contribute to the competitiveness of 
Philippine exports;
"[h] I) Submit [quarterly] ANNUAL reports to 
Congress;
"[i. Formulate policies -or recommend measures and 
draw up a study within ninety [90] days from the approval
of this Act, relative to the rationalization of the government's
export promotion and development functions/activities and
programs for the-eventual transfer of government export
promotions and development activities to the sector within a
period of two [2] years after the approval of this Act]
"(j) [Formulate the] RECOMMEND policies AND 
RULES AND REGULATIONS for the grant[m§] of 
incentives to exporters BY CONCERNED GOVERNMENT 
AGENCIES;
"k) Adopt such policies, rules, procedures and 
administrative systems for the efficient and effective exercise 
of its powers and functions [, including the creation or 
adoption-of an exec-utive committee or secretariat];


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"I) Grant and review the accreditation of the
2 
DOMINANT organization of exporters according to the
3 
guidelines [which it shall later promulgate for the said
4 
purpose: Provided, That the organization accredited shall be
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the—dominant-one among—the—other existing—export
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organizations—as—determined—under—the—guidelines]
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promulgated by the Council hereof.
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"m) XXX.
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"N) MANDATE CONCERNED GOVERNMENT
10 
INSTRUMENTALITIES TO CONDUCT BENCHMARKING
11 
OF TRADE PRACTICES AND PERFORMANCE ABROAD,
12 
AS WELL AS MARKET INTELLIGENCE AND/OR
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CRITICAL STRATEGIES THAT WILL ENHANCE THE
14 
COMPETITIVENESS, SOPHISTICATION AND
15 
DIVERSIFICATION OF PHILIPPINE EXPORTS.
16 
"X X X."
17 
Sec. 8. Section 8 of Republic Act No. 7844, otherwise known as the "Export
18 
Development Act of 1994" shall be amended as follows:
19 
"Sec. 8. Composition of the Council. - The Council shall
20 
be composed of the following:
21 
"a. XXX
22 
"x X X
23 
"h. XXX
24 
"i. [Nine-(9)] THREE (3) representatives from 
the
25 
private sector, [the majority of whom shall be rccommcndccs
26 
of the accredited -organization] and one of whom shall be
27 
elected by the Council as Vice-Chairman.
28 
"Other heads of executive 
agencies, private
29 
organizations or individuals can be called upon by the Council
30 
to attend any Council meeting and assist the Council to
31 
resolve issues and problems that concern their respective
32 
offices.
10


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"[LikcwiGc, such heads of executive agencies, private
2 
organizations or individuals shall respond te- tho queries of the
3 
Gouncil within two weeks from-the time such queries arc
4 
received.]"
5 
Sec. 9. Section 9 of Republic Act No. 7844, otherwise known as the "Export
6 
Development Act of 1994" shall be amended as follows:
7 
"Sec. 
9. [Mode—of] Selection and 
[Tenure]
8 
APPOINTMENT of Private Sector Representatives - The
9 
President shall appoint the private sector representatives [7
10 
who arc not ex officio, upon-nomination of the accredited
11 
organization;] BASED ON THE LIST OF NOMINEES
12 
PREPARED BY THE DTI-EMB, ensuring 
balanced
13 
representations [from the Visayas and Mindanao] ACROSS
14 
THE MAJOR ISLAND GROUPS and various sectors [, such
15 
as the labor-sector, agricultural and traditional export sectors
16 
as against the non-agricultural and non-traditional export
17 
sectors and the like].
18 
"THE SUCCEEDING APPOINTMENTS, 
AFTER
19 
EFFECTIVITY OF THIS ACT, SHALL BE BASED ON THE
20 
LIST OF NOMINEES PREPARED BY THE COUNCIL
21 
BASED UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF DTI-EMB:
22 
PROVIDED, THAT SECTORAL REPRESENTATION IN
23 
THE COUNCIL MAY BE SUBJECT TO MODIFICATION
24 
BASED ON THE RECOMMENDED SECTORS OF THE
25 
EMB.
26 
"The private sector representatives of the Council shall
27 
serve for a period of [two (2)] THREE (3) years. NO
28 
PRIVATE SECTOR REPRESENTATIVE SHALL SERVE
29 
FOR MORE THAN TWO (2) CONSECUTIVE TERMS.
30 
VOLUNTARY RENUNCIATION OF THE OFFICE FOR ANY
31 
LENGTH OF TIME SHALL NOT BE CONSIDERED AS AN
11


1 
INTERRUPTION IN THE CONTINUITY OF HIS SERVICE
2 
FOR THE FULL TERM FOR WHICH HE WAS APPOINTED.
3 
When a vacancy occurs due to the resignation, death or
4 
incapacity of a member, a replacement who shall serve for
5 
the remainder of the member's term of office shall be
6 
appointed by the President: PROVIDED, THAT SUCH
7 
VACANCY MUST BE FILLED WITHIN THIRTY (30)
8 
DAYS FROM OCCURRENCE THEREOF: PROVIDED,
9 
FURTHER, THAT THE SUCCESSOR SHALL ONLY SERVE
10 
THE REMAINING UNEXPIRED PORTION OF THE
11 
TERM."
12 
Sec. 10. Section 10 of Republic Act No. 7844, otherwise known as the "Export
13 
Development Act of 1994" shall be amended as follows:
14 
"Sec. 10. Meetings of the Council. - REGULAR
15 
MEETINGS OF THE Council—shall BE HELD AT LEAST
16 
[meet] once a month TO BE PRESIDED BY THE
17 
CHAIRMAN: Provided, That [the Prcsident-or-the chairman
18 
may convene the Council anytime whenever he deems it
19 
ftecGGsary.] WRITTEN NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETINGS
20 
SHALL BE SENT TO ALL COUNCIL MEMBERS OF
21 
RECORD AT LEAST FOURTEEN (14) DAYS PRIOR TO
22 
THE MEETING: PROVIDED, FURTHER, THAT WRITTEN
23 
NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETINGS OR ITS DEFERMENT
24 
MAY BE SENT TO ALL COUNCIL MEMBERS OF RECORD
25 
THROUGH ELECTRONIC MAIL OR SUCH OTHER
26 
MANNER AS THE COUNCIL SHALL ALLOW: PROVIDED,
27 
FINALLY, THAT SHOULD THERE BE ANY CHANGES IN
28 
THE USUAL CONDUCT OF THE REGULAR MEETING, A
29 
WRITTEN NOTICE STATING THE DATE, TIME AND
30 
PLACE, OR ANY RELEVANT MODIFICATIONS OF THE
31 
SAID MEETING MUST BE SENT TO EVERY MEMBER AT
32 
LEAST FIVE (5) DAYS PRIOR TO THE SCHEDULED
12


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MEETING. SPECIAL MEETINGS OF THE COUNCIL MAY
2 
BE HELD AT ANY TIME UPON THE CALL 
OF THE
3 
CHAIRMAN OR UPON MOTION OF THE VICE-
4 
CHAIRMAN RAISED BEFORE THE COUNCIL MEMBERS
5 
AND WITH ACQUIESCENCE OF AT LEAST A MAJORITY
6 
THEREOF.
7 
"[The PrcGidcnt shall preside over rriGetings-ef the
8 
Geuncil on a quarterfy basis, j"
9 
Sec. 11. New sections to be denominated as Section 10-A, 10-B, and 10-C are
10 
hereby inserted after Section 10 of Republic Act No. 7844, otherwise known as the
11 
"Export Development Act of 1994", which shall read as follows:
12 
"SEC. 10-A. VENUE OF MEETINGS. - MEETINGS OF THE
13 
COUNCIL MAY BE HELD ANYWHERE IN THE
14 
PHILIPPINES, UNLESS OTHERWISE STIPULATED IN
15 
IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS OR AS
16 
MAY BE AGREED UPON BY THE COUNCIL DURING THE
17 
PRECEDING REGULAR MEETING: PROVIDED, THAT,
18 
THE COUNCIL MAY CONDUCT MEETINGS THROUGH
19 
TELECONFERENCE, VIDEO CONFERENCE, OR OTHER
20 
RELIABLE FORMS OF REMOTE OR ELECTRONIC
21 
MEANS, USING APPROPRIATE INFORMATION AND
22 
COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS, IN
23 
TIMES OF PUBLIC EMERGENCIES, FORCE MAJEURE,
24 
OR OTHER SIMILAR EVENTS AS MAY BE DETERMINED
25 
BY THE COUNCIL WHICH MAY PREVENT MAJORITY OF
26 
THE MEMBERS FROM ATTENDING THE MEETINGS:
27 
PROVIDED, FURTHER, THAT REMOTE PARTICIPATION
28 
IN MEETINGS SHALL BE AVAILABLE ONLY IF THE
29 
COUNCIL MEMBER IS WITHIN PHILIPPINE
30 
JURISDICTION."
31 
"SEC. 10-B. QUORUM AND VOTING. - FOR
32 
PURPOSES OF QUORUM FOR AND DURING MEETINGS,
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ATTENDANCE OF A MAJORITY OF THE COUNCIL
2 
MEMBERS IS NECESSARY. A VOTE OF A MAJORITY OF
3 
THE COUNCIL MEMBERS WHO ACTUALLY TOOK PART
4 
IN THE DELIBERATIONS OF MATTERS RAISED
5 
DURING THE MEETING IS NEEDED IN ORDER TO
6 
REACH A DECISION. VOTES OF COUNCIL MEMBERS
7 
WHO FAILED 
TO COMPLY WITH 
THE
8 
AFOREMENTIONED REQUISITE SHALL NOT BE
9 
CONSIDERED."
10 
"SEC. 10-C. SECRETARIAT. - WITHIN SIXTY
11 
(60) DAYS AFTER THE EFFECTIVITY OF THIS ACT, A
12 
SECRETARIAT SHALL BE CREATED IN THE DTI-EMB,
13 
UNDER THE DIRECT SUPERVISION OF ITS DIRECTOR.
14 
THE SECRETARIAT SHALL SERVE AS THE SUPPORT
15 
STAFF OF THE COUNCIL IN THE EXERCISE OF ITS
16 
FUNCTIONS. SUCH POSITIONS MAY BE CREATED FOR
17 
THIS PURPOSE, 
IN CONSULTATION WITH 
THE
18 
DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT."
19 
Sec. 12. Section 12 of Republic Act No. 7844, otherwise known as the "Export
20 
Development Act of 1994" shall be amended as follows:
21 
"Sec. 12. Accredited Export Organization (AEO). - The
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Council shall accredit a single umbrella organization of
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exporters, BASED ON ACCREDITATION GUIDELINES TO
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BE ISSUED PURSUANT TO THIS ACT [pursuant to Section
25 
7(1) of this Act], to represent the export sector concerns and
26 
interests for three (3) years [, after which-t-he-Council-shall
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undortakc-a-fcvicw of the accreditation prior to the granting
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Of re-granting of the-said accreditation]. THE PROCEDURE
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FOR RENEWAL OF ACCREDITATION OF THE AEO OR
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THE GRANT OF ACCREDITATION TO A NEW ONE
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SHALL LIKEWISE BE BASED ON THE ACCREDITATION
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GUIDELINES.
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"The accredited EXPORT organization shall:
"a) X X x;
"b) [Represent the interest of the export sector]
ADVOCATE POLICY REFORMS AND SUSTAINABLE AND 
IN NOVATION-DRIVEN PROGRAMS IN PARTNERSHIP 
WITH THE GOVERNMENT FOR THE INTERESTS OF THE 
EXPORT SECTOR;
"C) ESTABLISH AND/OR STRENGTHEN 
REGIONAL AND/OR PROVINCIAL OFFICES TO 
PROVIDE DEDICATED ASSISTANCE TO EXPORTERS 
AND ASPIRING EXPORTERS AND IMPLEMENT EXPORT 
INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION 
ACTIVITIES IN CLOSE COORDINATION WITH THE DTI 
OFFICES AND OTHER RELEVANT GOVERNMENT 
AGENCIES IN THE REGIONS/PROVINCES;
"[€7] D) [Be responsible for coordinating, supporting 
aftd-assisting] COORDINATE, SUPPORT AND ASSIST the 
DTI relative to the formulation and implementation of the 
government's export DEVELOPMENT AND promotion 
programs and policies; Provided, That in the event that some 
of the export promotion functions of the government are 
privatized in accordance with the Act, it shall be responsible 
for the performance of such privatized export promotion 
function;
"[d] E) Manage the Philippine Trade Center, which 
shall include, among others, the authority to enter into 
contracts with promotion facilities or functions; AND,
"F) SUBMIT ANNUAL REPORT TO THE COUNCIL 
AND RECOMMEND PROPOSED POLICY MEASURES 
AIMD GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS THAT WOULD 
CONTRIBUTE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF EXPORTS."
15


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Sec. 13. A new Section 15-A is hereby inserted after Section 15 of Republic Act
2 
No. 7844, otherwise known as the "Export Development Act of 1994", which shall read
3 
as follows:
4 
"SEC. 15-A. EXPORT TRADE COMPLAINTS
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DESK(ETDC). - THE DTI SHALL ESTABLISH AN
6 
EXPORT TRADE COMPLAINTS DESK WHERE
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EXPORTERS, BUYERS, OR THEIR AGENTS CAN FILE
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COMPLAINTS AND SEEK REDRESS FOR GRIEVANCES
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RELATING TO ANY EXPORT-RELATED TRANSACTION,
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IN ORDER TO PROMOTE ETHICAL BUSINESS
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PRACTICES AND ENHANCE THE IMAGE OF THE
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PHILIPPINES AS A RELIABLE SUPPLIER OF GOODS
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AND SERVICES IN THE GLOBAL MARKET."
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Sec. 14. Section 17 of Republic Act No. 7844, otherwise known as the Export
15 
Development Act of 1994 is hereby repealed.
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Sec. 15. New Articles III, IV and V shall be inserted in Republic Act No. 7844,
17 
otherwise known as the "Export Development Act of 1994" and the existing Article III
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and succeeding Articles and its sub-sections shall be re-sectioned and renumbered
19 
accordingly. The new Article III shall read as follows:
20 
"ARTICLE III
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"FUNDING
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"Sec. 16. Funding. - [The activities and operational
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expenses of the Council shall be funded jointly by budgetary
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appropriations from the government and-by-private sector
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eentributions as provided for in Executive-Order No. 98.] A
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SEED CAPITAL FUND SHALL BE ESTABLISHED TO
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COVER ACTIVITIES AND OPERATIONAL EXPENSES OF
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THE COUNCIL THROUGH JOINT BUDGETARY
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APPROPRIATIONS FROM GOVERNMENT AND
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PRIVATE SECTOR-CONTRIBUTIONS.
31 
"SEC. 17. GOVERNMENT-OWNED 
AND/OR
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CONTROLLED CORPORATIONS (GOCCS) SHALL
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PROVIDE SUPPORT ON ESTABLISHING A 
SUSTAINABLE FUNDING MECHANISM FOR THE 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EXPORTS AND 
INVESTMENTS POLICIES, PLANS, PROGRAMS, 
PROJECTS, AND INITIATIVES.
"ARTICLE IV
"OTHER INCENTIVES
"SEC. 18. CREATION OF AN EXPORT GREEN 
LANE FACILITY. - AN EXPORT GREEN LANE FACILITY 
SHALL BE ESTABLISHED FOR QUALIFIED EXPORTERS 
FOR ADVANCE PROCESSING AND CLEARANCES OF 
THEIR EXPORT REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE BUREAU 
OF CUSTOMS, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION 
AND OTHER COMPETENT AUTHORITIES.
"SEC. 19. EXEMPTION FROM EXPORT 
REQUIREMENTS. - ALL INSPECTION, COMMODITY 
AND EXPORT CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS ON 
PHILIPPINE COMMODITY EXPORTS ARE HEREBY 
DISPENSED WITH, EXCEPT FOR THE FOLLOWING:
"A) THOSE REQUIRED AS A RESULT OF THE 
EXISTENCE OF IMPORT QUOTAS IN OTHER 
COUNTRIES, SUCH AS GARMENTS AND SUGAR;
"B) THOSE COVERING ITEMS WHICH ARE 
BANNED FOR EXPORTS;
"C) THOSE COVERING EXPORTS OF LOGS, 
COPPER AND COFFEE; AND
"D) THOSE COVERED BY INTERNATIONAL 
AGREEMENTS TO WHICH THE PHILIPPINES IS A 
SIGNATORY.
"ANY OR ALL OF THE CLEARANCE 
REQUIREMENTS DISPENSED WITH IN THE 
PRECEDING PARAGRAPH MAY BE REINSTATED WITH
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PRIOR APPROVAL, BY AN INTER-AGENCY COMMITTEE 
(lAC) COMPOSED OF THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE 
DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY, AS 
CHAIRPERSON, AND THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 
DEPARTMENTS OF FINANCE, BUDGET AND 
MANAGEMENT, BANGKO SENTRAL NG PILIPINAS, 
AND THE NATIONAL ECONOMIC AND DEVELOPMENT 
AUTHORITY, AS MEMBERS, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT 
FACTORS SUCH AS REQUIREMENTS OF THE 
IMPORTER OR IMPORTING COUNTRY, SECURITY, 
HEALTH, SAFETY AND OTHER REASONS IN THE 
NATIONAL INTEREST: PROVIDED, THAT NO NEW 
INSPECTION, COMMODITY AND EXPORT CLEARANCE 
REQUIREMENTS MAY BE IMPOSED BY A 
GOVERNMENT OFFICE, BUREAU, AGENCY, OR 
INSTRUMENTALITY WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL BY 
THE LAC.
"SEC. 20. FEES ON EXPORTS. - NO OTHER FEES 
SHALL BE IMPOSED OR COLLECTED ON EXPORT 
RELATED PERMITS AND CLEARANCES OTHER THAN 
THOSE SPECIFICALLY REQUIRED BY LAW.
"ARTICLE V
"NATIONAL EXPORTER'S WEEK
"SEC. 21. NATIONAL EXPORTER'S WEEK. - THE 
FIRST WEEK OF DECEMBER OF EVERY YEAR IS 
HEREBY DECLARED AS NATIONAL EXPORTER S WEEK. 
THE DTI, EDC AND THE AEO SHALL JOINTLY 
ORGANIZE ACTIVITIES TO ENCOURAGE ACTIVE 
PARTICIPATION OF EXPORTERS, TRADE-RELATED 
AGENCIES AND THE ACADEME AND RELATED 
ORGANIZATIONS, ESPECIALLY THOSE THAT ARE IN 
THE REGIONS, THAT AIM TO FOSTER
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COLLABORATION, 
PARTNERSHIP 
AND
SYNCHRONIZATION OF EFFORTS TOWARDS EXPORT 
INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT. THEY SHALL LIKEWISE 
RECOGNIZE THE CONTRIBUTION OF EXPORTERS IN 
THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE COUNTRY BY 
INCLUDING THE CONFERMENT OF AWARDS TO 
PERFORMING EXPORTERS DURING THE NATIONAL 
EXPORTER'S WEEK. TO THIS END, THE DTI, EDC AND 
AEO SHALL ISSUE GUIDELINES ON THE CRITERIA 
AND CATEGORIES FOR THE SELECTION OF THE 
EXPORTERS' AWARD. CATEGORIES MAY INCLUDE 
BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO RECOGNITION OF 
APPLICATION OF NEW INNOVATION, TECHNOLOGY 
TRANSFER 
AND 
EXPORT/PRODUCT
DIVERSIFICATION.
"Article 3 
"Other Incentives 
"Sec. 22. Incentives. - x x x 
"Sec. 23. Negotiability. - x x x 
"Article 4
"Transitory Provisions
"Sec. [48^ 24. Appointment of Private Sector 
Representatives. - x x x
"Sec. [49^ 25. Funding of the Council. - x x x 
"Sec. [203 26. Operation of the Council. - x x x 
"Article 5
"Criminal Offenses and Penalties 
"Sec. [243 27. Non-compliance of the Mandatory 
Provisions in this Act - x x x 
"Article 6
"Administrative Procedures and Special Clauses
19


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Sec. 16. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DTI, in consultation with
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the EDC and other relevant government agencies and private stakeholders, shall
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formulate the rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act within sixty
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(60) days from effectivity of this Act. Non-issuance of the implementing rules and
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regulation shall in no case prevent the full implementation of this Act after its
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effectivity.
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Sec. 17. Separability Clause. - If any part or provision of this Act is declared
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unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any affected thereby shall remain in
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force and effect.
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Sec. 18. Repealing Clause. - All existing laws or parts thereof inconsistent with
11 
the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.
12 
Sec. 19. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
13 
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,
20