NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
SENA 
S. B. No
o! Uii
•22 JUL-7 P2:20
.RECDvr:o»;
Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA
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
Export-driven growth remains an economic model that developing countries 
have tried to emulate. This is understandable considering that, as noted economist 
Dani Rodrik pointed out1, several of the documented growth miracles of the 20th 
century-including that of Taiwan and South Korea in the 1960s; Malaysia, Thailand, 
and Singapore in the 1970s; China in the 1980s, and India in the 1990s-all involved in 
one way or another the development of competitive export industries.
Throughout many administrations, the Philippines has attempted to boost its 
export performance as a pillar for pursuing economic growth and development. Our 
efforts toward this end reached a milestone when Republic Act 7844 or the Export 
Development Act (EDA) was signed into law in 1994. The salient features of the EDA 
include the formulation of a three-year rolling Philippine Export Development Plan 
(PEDP) which shall be form part of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) of the 
administration; institutionalization of the Export Development Council (EDC); the 
provision of incentives to exporters; among many others.
Some measure of success has been achieved since then, particularly with 
electronics and semiconductors, and then later on, with services given the boom of the
1 https://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/is-export-led-growth-pass
1


Information Technology and Business Process Outsourcing (IT-BPO) industry. In fact, 
as a November 2021 International Trade Centre (ITC) assessment of the Philippines 
underscores2, our exports in goods increased by 24% in the decade prior to 2020 
where the value of products traded reached US$64 billion. But where our growth rate 
bested those of the large exporters of ASEAN such as Malaysia, Thailand, and 
Indonesia, it pales in comparison to the 382-percent increase that Vietnam 
experienced during the same period, where from fifth it became 2nd in the region. To 
date, the Philippines stands as the 6th largest exporter in Southeast Asia.
One possible explanation for this middling performance is that our exports are 
not as diversified as those of our neighbors in the region. The same ITC assessment3 
affirms this, saying that in terms of product diversification, the Philippines is only 8th 
(out of 10) in the region. Where in 2020, our exports covered some 2,800 product 
lines, Vietnam's and Indonesia's reached more than 4,000. Furthermore, according to 
2020 UNCTAD data4, ICT goods-including electrical machinery products, integrated 
circuits, and semiconductors-comprised nearly 50 percent of all our exported goods.
Not only have our exports not diversified through the years, they have also not 
gained sophistication and complexity. A 2019 Philippine Institute for Development 
Studies (PIDS) report5 found that from 1995 to 2014, the average sophistication of the
i
country's export basket barely improved and has remained lower than the world 
average. In short, the country has not been able to offer much value-added in terms 
of its exports. 
f
What's unfortunate is that according to the ITC assessment6, the Philippines has 
an unrealized export potential worth US$49 billion. This only underscores the 
imperative to revisit the country's existing policies with regards to export development. 
Hence, the foregoing measure aims to update some provisions of the EDA.
Some amendments include the establishment of a seed capital fund to which
2 https;//tradebriefs.intracen.org/2021/ll/special-topic
3 https://tradebriefs.intracen.Org/2021/l 1/special-topic 
https://unctadstat.unctad.org/CountryProfile/GeneralProfile/en-GB/608/index.html
5 https://pid.swebs.pids.gov.ph/CDN/PUBLICATIONS/pidsrpl906.pdf 
3 https://tradebriefs.intracen.org/2021/ll/special-topic
2


the public and private sector can contribute to cover export promotions activities and 
other operational expenses of the EDC. It also mandates the creation of export green 
lane facilities in relevant government agencies such as the Bureau of Customs and the 
Food and Drug Administration. In addition, the measure also dispenses with all 
inspection, commodity, and export clearances, barring certain conditions.
A more robust, agile, and targeted export policy framework appears to be 
needed so that the country can produce and export more diverse and sophisticated 
products and services. In fact, as Harvard economist Dr. Ricardo Hausmann once 
argued7, countries who are generally successful in pursuing economic growth and 
development tend to be those who are able to make the transition from having an 
export basket that is technologically simple and involves fewer industries to one that 
involves a greater number of industries that are increasingly complex. In a 2015 
article8, Hausmann cited the case of Thailand (identified earlier as one of ASEAN's 
growth miracles) where in 1963, 97 percent of its export basket was composed of rice, 
rubber, tin, jute and other agricultural and mineral products. By 2013, these products 
accounted for only 20 percent of the total, whereas machinery and chemicals 
represented 56 percent.
For the Philippines to make a similar transition, strategic investments in 
capacity-building, infrastructure, and technology transfer will need to be made. Hence, 
aside from introducing key amendments to the original scope of the EDA, the 
foregoing measure also ensures that there is alignment and congruence between the 
country's export development, MSME development and investment promotion plans, 
programs, and activities. It also empowers the Department of Trade and Industry 
(DTI) to jointly pursue with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and other relevant 
government agencies, the necessary data collection and analysis for effective targeting 
of export markets, potential locators and investors, products for development, and 
new growth opportunities.
At its core, this measure is concerned with enhancing the global 
competitiveness of Filipino industries and enterprises. Hence, we have identified it as
7 https;//www.project-syndicate.org/commentaiy/encouraging-exports-promotes-development-by-ricardo-hausmann-2015-ll
8 ibid.
3


among the priority measures of our Tatak Pinoy C'Proudly Filipino") advocacy for 
building a more productive, more innovative, more globally competitive and more 
inclusive economy for all Filipinos.
Considering that the country is exerting all its efforts to jumpstart its recovery 
and regain the momentum lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic, now is the time to 
unite and rally around the cause of pursuing braver policy reforms, including those for 
export development. In view of the foregoing, we earnestly seek the swift approval of 
this measure.
NNY ANGARA


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
<3,™- W tit.
of tlK‘ €?'r-rtKajiJ
72 JUL-7 P2 70
SENATE
S. B. No. 90
ni:cEi>(i:D r
Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA
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 House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Short TitlOn - This Act shall otherwise be known as the "Exports
2 
and Investments Development Act of 2022."
3 
Sec. 2. Sec. 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 the State to
6 
evolve export development into a national effort AND TRANSFORM
7 
THE PHILIPPINES INTO AN EXPORTING NATION. The
8 
[fovemment] STATE shall champion exports as a focal strategy for [a]
9 
THE ACCELERATION OF INCLUSIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH,
10 
INVESTMENTS PROMOTION, EFFICIENT TRANSFER OF
11 
KNOWLEDGE AND KNOW-HOW, SCIENTIFIC AND
12 
TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION, AND sustainable agri-industrial
13 
development [to achieve Philippine-'NIChood-towafds-t-hc year- 200Q-.-Thc
14 
private-sector shall-take-thc-icad in-thc-collcetivc--effort to promote
15 
expofts-through discipline and hard work, as it confronts-the-chaHengc
16 
of winning intcrnational-mar-ketST]
17 
[The-government and the- private sector-shaH-jeintly-transform-the
18 
Philippines into an exporting nation.] IT IS HEREBY DECLARED
19 
POLICY OF THE STATE TO IMPROVE THE CONTRIBUTION OF


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EXPORTS TO NATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, BY
2 
ELEVATING THE DIVERSITY, SOPHISTICATION, AND QUALITY
3 
OF PRODUCTS THAT ARE PRODUCED AND/OR SOURCED
4 
DOMESTICALLY FOR EXPORT PURPOSES. Towards this end, the
5 
State shall instill in the Filipino people that exporting is [not just- a
6 
sectoral concern, but the key to-national-survival and the means-through
7 
which-the economic- goals-of - increased ■ employment - and enhanced
8 
Incomes- can most expeditiously be achieved.] KEY TO NATIONAL
9 
DEVELOPMENT AND A MEANS TO EXPEDITIOUSLY REDUCE
10 
POVERTY, PROVIDE EMPLOYMENT, AND INCREASE THE
11 
AVERAGE INCOME OF FILIPINO HOUSEHOLDS."
12 
Sec. 3. Sec. 3 of Republic Act No. 7844, otherwise known as the Export
13 
Development Act of 1994 shall be amended as follows:
14 
"SEC. 3. Key Operating Principles. - A macro-economic policy framework
15 
that supports export development shall be provided, especially in key
16 
areas of concern to exporters:
17 
a. X X x;
18 
b. Fiscal and credit policies shall provide adequate funds for public and
19 
private investments and business expansion, while keeping the cost of
20 
credit comparable to international levels ensuring access to loanable
21 
funds for [SMEs] MICRO, SMALL, AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES
22 
(MSMES), as well as highly technical AND INNOVATIVE export
23 
enterprises, especially those in the countryside;
24 
c. X X x;
25 
d. X X x;
26 
e. Technical support policies to improve the quality of export products
27 
shall be adopted, particularly those relating to technology transfer,
28 
R8tD, technical training and related activities, INCLUDING THOSE
29 
THAT REQUIRE FOREIGN INVESTMENT OR INVOLVE
30 
ASSISTANCE FROM FOREIGN PARTNERS WHEREVER
31 
APPLICABLE, SUBJECT TO RELEVANT LAWS AND
32 
REGULATIONS. As such, the Department of Science and Technology
33 
(DOST) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) shall be supported by


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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 [ergTT-- 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, 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—bureaueratic red tape] INCREASE EFFICIENCY AND


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REDUCE TRANSACTIONAL COSTS IN CONSONANCE WITH
2 
R.A. 11032 OR THE EASE OF DOING BUSINESS AND
3 
EFFICIENT GOVERNMENT SERVICE DELIVERY ACT OF 2018.
4 
3. EFFECTIVE TARGETING OF EXPORT MARKETS, POTENTIAL
5 
LOCATORS AND INVESTORS, PRODUCTS FOR DEVELOPMENT,
6 
AND NEW GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES SHALL BE INFORMED
7 
AND GUIDED BY PROPER SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS OF
8 
RELEVANT DATA AND INFORMATION. AS SUCH, THE
9 
DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY (DTI) SHALL
10 
COORDINATE AND JOINTLY IMPLEMENT WITH THE
11 
PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY (PSA), AND OTHER
12 
APPROPRIATE GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, DATA-COLLECTION
13 
PROCEDURES, DATA-SHARING ARRANGEMENTS, RELEVANT
14 
SUBSCRIPTIONS AND OTHER MECHANISMS THAT ENABLE
15 
THE PROPER MEASUREMENT OF THE COUNTRY'S
16 
PRODUCTIVE CAPABILITIES AND KNOW-HOW, ITS RELATIVE
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COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGE IN CERTAIN PRODUCTS AND
18 
SERVICES, AND OTHER FACTORS RELEVANT TO THE
19 
FULFILLMENT OF THE OBJECTIVES OF THIS ACT. WHEREVER
20 
FEASIBLE, SUCH DATA AND INFORMATION SHALL BE
21 
DISAGGREGATED INTO NATIONAL, REGIONAL, PROVINCIAL,
22 
AND CITY OR MUNICIPALITY LEVELS OF ANALYSIS.
23 
Sec. 4. Sec. 4 of Republic Act No. 7844, otherwise known as the Export
24 
Development Act of 1994 shall be amended as follows:
25 
"SEC. 4. Definition of terms. - For purposes of this Act, the following
26 
definitions shall apply to the following terms:
27 
a. "Exported means any person, natural or juridical, licensed to do
28 
business in the Philippines, engaged directly or indirectly in the
29 
production, manufacture, assembly, processing, or trade of products
30 
or services which earns at least fifty percent (50%) of its normal
31 
operating revenues from the sale of its products or services abroad
32 
for foreign currency: Provided, That in the case of services, the same
33 
shall be limited to [information ■ tcchnology-Gcrviccs, construction


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services and other] services as defined jointly by the Department of
2 
Finance (DOF) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
3 
Services rendered by overseas contract workers are not covered by
4 
[the] this definition.
5 
b. X X x;
6 
c. "Export incentive^' shall refer to support measures, FISCAL AND
7 
NON-FISCAL, provided by the government to exporters to
8 
encourage investment in the export sector, create a freer trade
9 
environment and motivate exporters to increase export sales and
10 
perform competitively in the [expert] GLOBAL market. The overall
11 
objective is to increase the country's export sales.
12 
d. "Accredited EXPORT Organization" shall refer to the organization of
13 
exporters granted accreditation by the Export Development Council,
14 
as provided in Section 7(1) of this Act."
15 
e. '^SOPHISTICATEDT REFERS TO THE STATE WHEN A PRODUCT
16 
OR SERVICE REQUIRES A HIGH NUMBER OF CAPABILITIES,
17 
COMPETENCIES OR KNOW-HOW TO BE PRODUCED OR
18 
OFFERED
19 
f. "SOPHISTICATION" 
REFERS 
TO 
THE NUMBER OF
20 
CAPABILITIES, COMPETENCIES, OR KNOWHOW REQUIRED
21 
FOR A PRODUCT OR SERVICE TO BE OFFERED BY AN
22 
ECONOMY LIKE THAT OF THE PHILIPPINES."
23 
Sec. 5. Sec. 5 of Republic Act No. 7844, otherwise known as the Export
24 
Development Act of 1994 shall be amended as follows:
25 
"SEC. 5. Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP). - The President of
26 
the Republic of the Philippines shall approve a rolling three-year
27 
Philippine Export Development Plan prepared by the [Department of
28 
Trade-and^ndustry-} DTI which shall form part of the [medium-term]
29 
Philippine Development Plan ([MT]PDP). It shall be formulated AND
30 
VALIDATED in consultation with the RELEVANT GOVERNMENT
31 
AGENCIES AND private sector [>■.validated] TO BE REVIEWED and
32 
updated semestrally.
33 
The PEDP shall define the country's annual and medium-term export


1 
thrusts, strategies, programs and projects INCLUDING THE
2 
ENHANCEMENT OF THE 
CAPABILITIES OF FILIPINO
3 
ENTERPRISES AND PROFESSIONALS TO PRODUCE AND OFFER
4 
INCREASINGLY SOPHISTICATED AND DIVERSIFIED PRODUCTS
5 
AND SERVICES, ALIGNED WITH THE PREVAILING STRATEGIC
6 
INVESTMENT PRIORITIES PLAN AND THE MICRO, SMALL, AND
7 
MEDIUM ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT (MSMED) PLAN. THE
8 
PEDP [af>d] shall be jointly implemented by the government, export
9 
and other concerned sectors.
10 
UPON APPROVAL OF THE PEDP, THE PRESIDENT SHALL DIRECT
11 
RELEVANT GOVERNMENT AGENCIES TO ALLOCATE FUNDS,
12 
UNDER THE GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT (GAA), IN
13 
SUPPORT OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PEDP WHICH
14 
SHALL BE MANAGED BY THE DTI - EXPORT MARKETING
15 
BUREAU."
16 
Sec. 6. Sec. 6 of Republic Act No. 7844, otherwise known as the Export
17 
Development Act of 1994 shall be amended as follows:
18 
"SEC. 6. Export Development Council. - The existing Export
19 
Development Council [(hcrcinaftor roforred to-as - the—CouneirO which
20 
was--cfcated-by Executive-Order No. 98 [1993] as modified ■by-Exccutive
21 
Qrder-No-.-TlO [1993],-Executive Order No. 180-^-1994], and Republic Act
22 
7-844-{-T994)} is hereby reorganized and restrengthened to suitably and
23 
periodically oversee the implementation of the PEDP and to continuously
24 
ensure proper coordination of the formulation and implementation of
25 
policy reforms to support the said Plan."
26 
Sec. 7. Sec. 7 of Republic Act No. 7844, otherwise known as the Export
27 
Development Act of 1994 shall be amended as follows:
28 
"SEC. 7. Powers and functions. - The Council shall:
29 
a. [approve—the—PEDP-;—coordinate;—monitor—and—assess—the
30 
implementation thereof,-and-whcn--ne€es5ary,..institute appropriate
31 
adjustments thereon in the light of changing-eonditions-in both the
32 
domestic- and international—environment^] ASSIST THE DTI IN
33 
DRAFTING THE PEDP WITH INPUTS FROM VARIOUS
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STAKEHOLDERS;
b. X X x;
c. ENDORSE TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES THE 
APPROVAL OF THE PEDP; COORDINATE, MONITOR AND 
ASSESS THE IMPLEMENTATION THEREOF, AND, WHEN 
NECESSARY, INSTITUTE APPROPRIATE ADJUSTMENTS 
THEREON IN THE LIGHT OF CHANGING CONDITIONS IN 
BOTH THE DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL 
ENVIRONMENTS;
d. [€] Identify the main bottlenecks, problems and constraints in all 
areas/sectors/activities which influence the competitiveness of exports 
[including but not limited -to, ■ such matters as policy framework,-
physical infrastruct-ure, finance, technology) production, promotions
and marketing];
e. [d] Mandate specific departments and agencies to address the
bottlenecks and problems constraining the [development] 
COMPETITIVENESS, 
SOPHISTICATION, 
AND
DIVERSIFICATION of exports [in-any of the areas-mentioned in 
paragraph (c) above], and require the concerned Secretaries or their 
duly authorized representatives to [deliver] SUBMIT progress 
reports on the actions/initiatives taken to resolve these areas of 
concern at the [next meetings] SOONEST POSSIBLE TIME;
f. [e]Ensure export quality control by overseeing the formulation and 
implementation of quality control guidelines by appropriate agencies 
to [naake] ENABLE PRODUCTION OF SOPHISTICATED AND 
DIVERSIFIED Philippine exports WHICH ARE at par with world- 
class products;
g. [f] 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;
i. [h] Submit [q-uar-terly] ANNUAL reports to Congress;


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j. [i. formulate policies or recommend mcaGurcs and-draw up a study
within ninety [90] days from the approval of this Act, relative-te-the
fationalization—ef—the—government's—export—promotion—
development functions/activitios and—programs for the—eventual
trarisfer of government export-promotions and -development activities
te-the-sector within a period-of two [2} years afteH:he approval of
t-his-Act]
[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 [7 
mefuding the creatien-or adoption of an executive-committee or
l. Grant and review the accreditation of the DOMINANT organization 
of exporters according to the guidelines [wh-ieh—it-shall—later 
promulgate for-the said purpose: Provided--That the organization
aeeredited shall be-the-dominant one among the-other existing export
or§anizations as determined under the- guidelines] promulgated by 
the Council hereof.
m. Issue standards and policies to be observed by Local Government 
Units (LGUs) in order to:
1. ensure that LGUs' plans and budgets are supportive of agri­
industrial growth and export competitiveness thrusts of the 
national government; and
2. ensure optimal allocation of expenditures.
The DILG and the regional development councils shall be the 
channels through which these standards and policies shall be coursed 
N. MANDATE 
CONCERNED 
GOVERNMENT
INSTRUMENTALITIES TO CONDUCT BENCHMARKING OF 
TRADE PRACTICES AND PERFORMANCE ABROAD, AS WELL 
AS MARKET INTELLIGENCE AND/OR CRITICAL STRATEGIES 
THAT WILL ENHANCE THE COMPETITIVENESS,
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4 
SOPHISTICATION AND DIVERSIFICATION OF PHILIPPINE
2 
EXPORTS."
3 
Sec. 8. Sec. 8 of Republic Act No. 7844, otherwise known as the Export
4 
Development Act of 1994 shall be amended as follows:
5 
"SEC. 8. Composition of the Council. - The Council shall be composed of
6 
the following:
7 
• • a. Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry, as Chairperson;
8 
b. Director-General of the National Economic and Development
9 
Authority;
10 
c. Secretary of the Department of Finance;
11 
d. Governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas;
12 
e. Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology;
13 
f. Secretary of the Department of Agriculture;
14 
r ■ 
g. Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs;
15 
h. Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment;
16 
i. [Mne-(-9)] THREE (3) representatives from the private sector, [the
17 
majority of whom—shaH—be—rccommcndecs - of the 
accredited
18 
: 
organization] and one of whom shall be elected by the Council as
19 
Vice-Chairman
20 
• Other heads of executive agencies, private organizations or individuals
21 
. can be called upon by the Council to attend any Council meeting and assist the
22 
Council to resolve issues and problems that concern their respective offices.
23 
[ykcwiseT-such hcads-of executive agencies, - private organizations-or
24 
Hidividuals-sho-ll-rcspond to the-qucries-of—the-Council within two [2] weeks
from the time-such-qucr-ies-afc-reccivcd.]"
Sec. 9. Sec. 9 of Republic Act No. 7844, otherwise known as the Export 
Development Act of 1994 shall be amended as follows:
"SEC. 9. [Mode of] Selection and [Ten-urc] APPOINTMENT of Private 
Sector Representatives - The President shall appoint the private sector 
representatives [, who are—ftot- ex- officior upon nomination of the 
a€C-re€tited-organizatiQn7] BASED ON THE LIST OF NOMINEES 
PREPARED BY THE DTI-EMB, ensuring balanced representations 
from—the—Visayas.and - Mindanao ACROSS THE MAJOR ISLAND
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GROUPS and various sectors [T-sueh-as-tho- labor-sector, agricultural
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and-t-raditional Gxport-SGCtors-as-against the non-agricultural-and-non-
3 
- ■ traditional-export scet-ers-and the like].
4 
THE SUCCEEDING APPOINTMENTS, AFTER EFFECTIVITY OF
5 
THIS ACT, SHALL BE BASED ON THE LIST OF NOMINEES
6 
PREPARED BY THE COUNCIL BASED UPON THE
7 
RECOMMENDATION OF DTI-EMB: PROVIDED, THAT SECTORAL
8 
REPRESENTATION IN THE COUNCIL MAY BE SUBJECT TO
9 
MODIFICATION BASED ON THE RECOMMENDED SECTORS OF
10 
THE EMB.
11 
The private sector representatives of the Council shall serve for a period
12 
of [two—(^] THREE (3) years. NO PRIVATE SECTOR
13 
REPRESENTATIVE SHALL SERVE FOR MORE THAN TWO (2)
14 
CONSECUTIVE TERMS. VOLUNTARY RENUNCIATION OF THE
15 
OFFICE FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME SHALL NOT BE CONSIDERED
16 
AS AN INTERRUPTION IN THE CONTINUITY OF HIS SERVICE
17 
FOR THE FULL TERM FOR WHICH HE WAS APPOINTED.
18 
When a vacancy occurs due to the resignation, death or incapacity of a
19 
member, a replacement who shall serve for the remainder of the
20 
member's term of office shall be appointed by the President:
21 
PROVIDED, THAT SUCH VACANCY MUST BE FILLED WITHIN
22 
THIRTY (30) DAYS FROM OCCURRENCE THEREOF: PROVIDED,
23 
FURTHER, THAT THE SUCCESSOR SHALL ONLY SERVE THE
24 
REMAINING UNEXPIRED PORTION OF THE TERM/'
25 
Sec. 10. Sec. 10 of Republic Act No. 7844, otherwise known as the Export
26 
Development Act of 1994 shall be amended as follows:
27 
"SEC. 10. Meetings of the Council. - REGULAR MEETINGS OF THE
28 
Council—shall BE HELD AT LEAST [meet] once a month TO BE
29 
PRESIDED BY THE CHAIRMAN; Provided, That [the-Prcsideet-oMhe
30 
chairman may convene—the-Council anytime whenever..he.deems—it
31 
eeeessafyr] WRITTEN NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETINGS SHALL BE
32 
SENT TO ALL COUNCIL MEMBERS OF RECORD AT LEAST
33 
FOURTEEN (14) DAYS PRIOR TO THE
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PROVIDED FURTHER, THAT WRITTEN NOTICE OF REGULAR
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MEETINGS OR ITS DEFERMENT MAY BE SENT TO ALL COUNCIL
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MEMBERS OF RECORD THROUGH ELECTRONIC MAIL OR SUCH
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OTHER MANNER AS THE COUNCIL SHALL ALLOW: PROVIDED,
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FURTHER, THAT, SHOULD THERE BE ANY CHANGES IN THE
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USUAL CONDUCT OF THE REGULAR MEETING, A WRITTEN
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NOTICE STATING THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE, OR ANY
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RELEVANT MODIFICATIONS OF THE SAID MEETING MUST BE
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SENT TO EVERY MEMBER AT LEAST FIVE (5) DAYS PRIOR TO
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THE SCHEDULED MEETING.
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SPECIAL MEETINGS OF THE COUNCIL MAY BE HELD AT ANY
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TIME UPON THE CALL OF THE CHAIRMAN OR UPON MOTION OF
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THE VICE-CHAIRMAN RAISED BEFORE THE COUNCIL MEMBERS
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AND WITH ACQUIESCENCE OF AT LEAST A MAJORITY
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THEREOF.''
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Sec. 11. A new Section 11 is hereby inserted, to read as follows, 
the
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succeeding sections shall be renumbered accordingly.
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"SEC. 11. VENUE OF MEETINGS. - MEETINGS OF THE COUNCIL
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MAY BE HELD ANYWHERE IN THE PHILIPPINES, UNLESS
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OTHERWISE STIPULATED IN IMPLEMENTING RULES AND
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REGULATIONS OR AS MAY BE AGREED UPON BY THE COUNCIL
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DURING THE PRECEDING REGULAR MEETING: PROVIDED,
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THAT, THE COUNCIL MAY CONDUCT MEETINGS THROUGH
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TELECONFERENCE, VIDEO CONFERENCE, OR OTHER RELIABLE
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FORMS OF REMOTE OR ELECTRONIC MEANS, USING
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APPROPRIATE INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS
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TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS, IN TIMES OF PUBLIC EMERGENCIES,
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FORCE MAJEURE, OR OTHER SIMILAR EVENTS AS MAY BE
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DETERMINED BY THE COUNCIL WHICH MAY PREVENT
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MAJORITY OF THE MEMBERS FROM ATTENDING THE
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MEETINGS:PROVIDED, 
FURTHER, THAT 
REMOTE
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PARTICIPATION IN MEETINGS SHALL BE AVAILABLE ONLY IF
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THE COUNCIL MEMBER IS WITHIN PHILIPPINE
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JURISDICTION."
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Sec. 12. A new Section 12 is hereby inserted, to read as follows:
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"SEC. 12. QUORUM AND VOTING. - FOR PURPOSES OF
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QUORUM FOR AND DURING MEETINGS, ATTENDANCE OF A
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MAJORITY OF THE COUNCIL MEMBERS IS NECESSARY.
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A VOTE OF A MAJORITY OF THE COUNCIL MEMBERS WHO
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ACTUALLY TOOK PART IN THE DELIBERATIONS OF MATTERS
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RAISED DURING THE MEETING IS NEEDED IN ORDER TO
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REACH A DECISION. VOTES OF COUNCIL MEMBERS WHO
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FAILED TO COMPLY WITH THE AFOREMENTIONED REQUISITE
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SHALL NOT BE CONSIDERED."
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Sec. 13. A new Section 13 is hereby inserted, to read as foilows:
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"SEC. 13. SECRETARIAT. - WITHIN SIXTY (60) DAYS AFTER THE
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EFFECTIVITY OF THIS ACT, A SECRETARIAT SHALL BE CREATED
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IN THE DTI-EMB, UNDER THE DIRECT SUPERVISION OF ITS
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DIRECTOR. THE SECRETARIAT SHALL SERVE AS THE SUPPORT
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STAFF OF THE COUNCIL IN THE EXERCISE OF ITS FUNCTIONS.
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SUCH POSITIONS MAY BE CREATED FOR THIS PURPOSE, IN
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CONSULTATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND
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MANAGEMENT."
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Sec. 14. Sec. 12 of Republic Act No. 7844, otherwise known as the Export
22 
Development Act of 1994 shall be amended as follows:
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"SEC. [4t2t] 14. Accredited Export Organization (AEO). - The Council
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shall accredit a single umbrella organization of exporters, BASED ON
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ACCREDITATION GUIDELINES TO BE ISSUED PURSUANT TO
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THIS ACT [pursuant- to Section 7(1).of-this-Act], to represent the
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export sector concerns and interests for three (3) years [,- after which
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the Council shall undertake- a- review of-the-aeereditution- prior- to the
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granting or-re-granting-of--the-said-acereditation]. THE PROCEDURE
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FOR RENEWAL OF ACCREDITATION OF THE AEO OR THE GRANT
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OF ACCREDITATION TO A NEW ONE SHALL LIKEWISE BE BASED
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ON THE ACCREDITATION GUIDELINES.
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^ The accredited EXPORT organization shall:
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a. X X x;
b. [Reprcscnt-thc interests -of - the expert.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;
d. [e—Be—responsible for- coordinating7—supporting—afld—ass4stm§]
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;
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."
Sec. 15. A new Section 16 is hereby inserted, to read as follows:
"SEC. 16. EXPORT TRADE COMPLAINTS DESK(ETDC). - THE DTI
SHALL ESTABLISH AN EXPORT TRADE COMPLAINTS DESK
WHERE EXPORTERS, BUYERS, OR THEIR AGENTS CAN FILE
COMPLAINTS AND SEEK REDRESS FOR GRIEVANCES RELATING
TO ANY EXPORT-RELATED TRANSACTION, IN ORDER TO
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y PROMOTE ETHICAL BUSINESS PRACTICES AND ENHANCE THE 
IMAGE OF THE PHILIPPINES AS A RELIABLE SUPPLIER OF 
W GOODS AND SERVICES IN THE GLOBAL MARKET."
Sec. 16. Section 17 of Republic Act No. 7844, otherwise known as the Export 
Development Act of 1994 is hereby repealed.
Sec. 17. New Articles III, IV and V shall be inserted in Republic Act No. 7844, 
otherwise known as the Export Development Act of 1994 and the existing Article III 
and succeeding Articles and its sub-sections shall be re-sectioned and renumbered 
accordingly. The new Article III shall read as follows:
"ARTICLE III 
"FUNDING
■ "SEC. [Tlrr] 18. Funding. - [The activities and operational expenses-ef 
r the-Council shall be funded jointly by budget-a-ry-appropriations from the
., V government and by ■ private-sector-contributions as provided for in
V Executive Order No. 98.] A SEED CAPITAL FUND SHALL BE 
ESTABLISHED TO COVER ACTIVITIES AND OPERATIONAL 
h EXPENSES OF THE COUNCIL THROUGH JOINT BUDGETARY 
[ APPROPRIATIONS FROM GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SECTOR 
CONTRIBUTIONS."
"SEC. 19. GOVERNMENT-OWNED AND/OR CONTROLLED 
CORPORATIONS (GOCCS) SHALL PROVIDE SUPPORT ON 
' establishing a SUSTAINABLE FUNDING MECHANISM FOR 
i THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EXPORTS AND INVESTMENTS 
' POLICIES, PLANS, PROGRAMS, PROJECTS, AND INITIATIVES."
"ARTICLE IV 
"OTHER INCENTIVES
^V"SEC. 20. CREATION OF AN EXPORT GREEN LANE FACILITY. - 
i;Vf'AN EXPORT GREEN LANE FACILITY SHALL BE ESTABLISHED 
FOR QUALIFIED EXPORTERS FOR ADVANCE PROCESSING AND 
U ; r CLEARANCES OF THEIR EXPORT REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE 
;>|.i BUREAU OF CUSTOMS, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION 
'■ ; AND OTHER COMPETENT AUTHORITIES.
"SEC. 21. EXEMPTION FROM EXPORT REQUIREMENTS. - ALL
'i-:
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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 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
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"NATIONAL EXPORTER'S WEEK
"SEC. 22. 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 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.
Sec. 18. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DTI, in ccnsultation 
with 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.
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Non-issuance of the implementing rules and regulation shall in no case prevent
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the full implementation of this Act after its effectivity.
Sec. 19. Separability Clause. - If any part or provision of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any affected thereby shall remain in force 
and effect.
SEC. 20. Repealing Clause. - All existing laws or parts thereof inconsistent 
with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.
SEC. 21. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days from
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its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general
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circulation.
Approved,
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