PHILIPPINES

SUBSIDY PROGRAMS: GENERAL
Last Reviewed December 31, 2000


Effective February 15, 2000, Import Administration began publishing "Decision Memos" to reduce the size of antidumping and countervailing duty Federal Register notices. In cases in which a decision memo was published, you will find a link to the memo listed below.

In addition, in the following programs, in instances below in which a proceeding was a Sunset Review, you will see the letters SR after the product name.


COUNTERVAILABLE SUBSIDY PROGRAMS

The subsidy programs listed below have been investigated by the Department and have been found to be "countervailable" based on the criteria established in the Tariff and Trade Act of 1930, as amended. Please refer to this Act for further detail of the criteria applied. In addition, you may click on the cases listed below the subsidy program title for a full explanation of the Department's analysis in those cases.

Development Bank of the Philippines Interest Moratorium (DBP)

Certain Textiles (1983) 50 FR 1607 (1/11/85-prelim);   Investigation Terminated 50 FR 15208 (4/17/85)

The DBP provided interest free loans to companies. We determined these loans to be countervailable.

Export Processing Zone Authority (EPZA)

Certain Textiles (1983) 50 FR 1607 (1/11/85-prelim);   Investigation Terminated 50 FR 15208 (4/17/85)

The Export Processing Zone Authority (EPZA) was created by PD 66, as amended by PD 1449. To be eligible for incentives granted by the EPZA, a company must be located in one of the designated export zones. To locate in one of the zones, a company is required to export a certain percentage of its production. Because availability of the incentives is limited to companies located in the zones, and location in the zones is contingent upon export performance, we determined that section 17(a) of the PD 66 confers a countervailable benefit.

Preferential Export Loans

Canned Tuna (1982) 48 FR 37051 (8/16/83-prelim);   48 FR 50133 (10/31/83-final)

The Philippines Central Bank operates a rediscounting facility for selected loans. Each of those programs is detailed separately.

Tax Incentives Available Under the Omnibus Investment Code (OIC)

Canned Tuna (1982) 48 FR 37051 (8/16/83-prelim);   48 FR 50133 (10/31/83-final)
Certain Textiles (1983) 50 FR 1607 (1/11/85-prelim);   Investigation Terminated 50 FR 15208 (4/17/85)

The Omnibus Investments Code, Presidential Decree 1789, provides a variety of investment incentives only to registered enterprises for the purpose of accelerating development of the economy of the Philippines by encouraging investment in projects to develop various sectors of the economy. Programs under the OIC are regulated by the Board of Investments (BOI). Because registration to be part of the program is limited by government direction to industries included in the Investment Priorities Plan, we determined that certain of the OIC provide countervailable benefits. The programs under the OIC are listed below. The OIC was amended by the IPPA which was enacted in January 1983.


SUBSIDY PROGRAMS FOUND TO BE NOT COUNTERVAILABLE

The subsidy programs listed below have been investigated by the Department and have been found to be "not countervailable" based on the criteria established in the Tariff and Trade Act of 1930, as amended. Please refer to this Act for further detail of the criteria applied. In addition, you may click on the cases listed under the subsidy program title for a full explanation of the Department's analysis in each case where the subsidy program has been examined.

Article 45(b) Accelerated Depreciation

Canned Tuna (1982) 48 FR 37051 (8/16/83-prelim);   48 FR 50133 (10/31/83-final)

Article 45(b) of the OIC allows registered enterprises to use accelerated depreciation. We determined that some companies depreciate their equipment over half its estimated useful life, as allowed under the Code, and others depreciate it in the same manner using the Philippines Bureau of Internal Revenue regulations. Since these regulations have an identical provision for accelerated depreciation which is generally available, we determined that Article 45(b) does not confer a countervailable benefit.

Article 45(c) Carry forward Operating Losses

Canned Tuna (1982) 48 FR 37051 (8/16/83-prelim);   48 FR 50133 (10/31/83-final) not used
Certain Textiles (1983) 50 FR 1607 (1/11/85-prelim);   Investigation Terminated 50 FR 15208 (4/17/85)

Under Article 45(c) of the OIC, a registered enterprise may carry forward all net operating losses incurred in any of the first ten years of operation. Such losses may be carried forward for six years immediately following the year in which the loss was incurred and may be used as a deduction from taxable income. Because this loss carryforward is available to domestic producers, we determined that this program is not countervailable.

Article 45(d) Tax Exemption on Imported Capital Equipment

Canned Tuna (1982) 48 FR 37051 (8/16/83-prelim);   48 FR 50133 (10/31/83-final) not used
Certain Textiles (1983) 50 FR 1607 (1/11/85-prelim);   Investigation Terminated 50 FR 15208 (4/17/85)

Article 45(d) of the OIC allows registered producers a tax exemption on imported capital equipment in the amount of 50 percent of the tariff duties and compensating tax payable on imported capital equipment and accompanying spare parts. This program is not limited to a specific industry or industries or group of enterprises or industries. Therefore, we determined this program to be not countervailable.

Article 45(i) Tax Deduction for Expansion Reinvestment

Canned Tuna (1982) 48 FR 37051 (8/16/83-prelim);   48 FR 50133 (10/31/83-final)

Article 45(i) of the OIC provides for a tax deduction for expansion reinvestment. This tax deduction is allowable when a registered enterprise reinvests its undistributed profit or surplus by transfer thereof to its capital account for procurement of machinery, equipment and spare parts, or for expansion of machinery and equipment used in the production or for the construction of buildings, improvements, and equipment. The amount reinvested is, to a certain percent, allowed as a deduction from its taxable income in the year in which the reinvestment is made.

Article 48(a) Tax Credits

Canned Tuna (8/83-12/83) 50 FR 9474 (3/8/85-prelim);   50 FR 30287 (7/25/85-final)
Canned Tuna (1982) 48 FR 37051 (8/16/83-prelim);   48 FR 50133 (10/31/83-final)
Certain Textiles (1983) 50 FR 1607 (1/11/85-prelim);   Investigation Terminated 50 FR 15208 (4/17/85)

Article 48(a) of the OIC provides tax credits for raw materials and semi-manufactured products used in production and actually forming part of the product. Suppliers that are not physically incorporated in the product are not eligible for this tax credit. Since the tax credit does not exceed taxes actually paid, and the materials are physically incorporated in the product, we determined that this Article does not provide a countervailable benefit.

Article 48(c) Tax Credit on Net Value Earned by Registered New or Expanding Export Producers

Certain Textiles (1983) 50 FR 1607 (1/11/85-prelim);   Investigation Terminated 50 FR 15208 (4/17/85)

Article 48(c) provides for a tax credit on the net value earned by registered new or expanding export producers. The same provision is available to domestic producers under Article 45(c) of the 11PA. Since Article 45 has been determined not to confer a bounty or grant on the basis that registration and benefits provided under Article 45 are not limited to a specific enterprise or industry or group of enterprises or industries. Therefore we determined that this program is not countervailable.

Article 52 Preferential Private Financial Assistance

Canned Tuna (1984) 51 FR 36260 (10/9/86-prelim);   51 FR 43758 (12/4/86-final)
Canned Tuna (8/83-12/83) 50 FR 9474 (3/8/85-prelim);   50 FR 30287 (7/25/85-final) not used
Canned Tuna (1982) 48 FR 37051 (8/16/83-prelim);   48 FR 50133 (10/31/83-final) not used

This Article of the OIC provides for financial assistance to registered enterprises through preference for private financial assistance. Article 52 also authorizes the Insurance Commissioner to allow insurance companies to invest in new issues of stock of registered enterprises. The Philippine government does not provide funds or incentives to the insurance companies. Therefore, we determined the benefits under this program are not countervailable.

Development Bank Loans

Canned Tuna (1982) 48 FR 37051 (8/16/83-prelim);   48 FR 50133 (10/31/83-final)

The Development Bank of the Philippines has the power to grant loans to any company in the agricultural or industrial sectors. In addition, their charter also allows them to grant loans to municipalities and individuals. We determined that in practice, the loans are generally available, and that the bank only granted loans on the basis of commercial considerations. Therefore, we determined the loans available from the Development Bank do not provide a countervailable benefit.

Food Production Credits

Canned Tuna (1982) 48 FR 37051 (8/16/83-prelim);   48 FR 50133 (10/31/83-final)

(Also called "Unsupervised Credit") Preferential loans/credits which are rediscounted by commercial banks with the Central Bank under this program are available to producers of canned Tuna at a ceiling interest rate of 12 percent, including fees. We determined that all industries in the Philippines have equal access to this program.

Foreign Equity Investment

Canned Tuna (1984) 51 FR 36260 (10/9/86-prelim);   51 FR 43758 (12/4/86-final)
Canned Tuna (8/83-12/83) 50 FR 9474 (3/8/85-prelim);   50 FR 30287 (7/25/85-final) not used

Presidential Decree 1892 suspended for a one-year period beginning on December 4, 1983, the 60 percent Philippine ownership requirement for enterprises registered under Article 34(1) of the OIC. Although this decree allows increased foreign equity in registered enterprises, the Philippine government does not provide funds or incentives to foreign investors. Therefore, we determined this program to be not countervailable.

Marginal Deposit Requirements

Canned Tuna (1982) 48 FR 37051 (8/16/83-prelim);   48 FR 50133 (10/31/83-final)

The relaxed marginal deposit requirements is a guideline issued by the Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP) which is not a government-owned or controlled entity. Since the BAP operates independently of the government and the Central Bank, and the guidelines reflect commercial considerations of the BAP, we determined that this program does not confer bounties or grants.

Philippine Export and Foreign Loan Guarantee Corporation (PHILGUARANTEE)

Canned Tuna (1984) 51 FR 36260 (10/9/86-prelim);   51 FR 43758 (12/4/86-final) not used
Canned Tuna (8/83-12/83) 50 FR 9474 (3/8/85-prelim);   50 FR 30287 (7/25/85-final) not used
Canned Tuna (1982) 48 FR 37051 (8/16/83-prelim);   48 FR 50133 (10/31/83-final)

PHILGUARANTEE, a government-controlled institution, provides guarantees on bid, performance and advance payment bonds, as well as working capital loans. These guarantees are available from private institutions at the same charges as from PHILGUARANTEE. These guarantees are generally available. We determined that these guarantees provide no countervailable benefits.

Preferential Leasing Rates in the Bataan Export Processing Zones (BEPZ)

Certain Textiles (1983) 50 FR 1607 (1/11/85-prelim);   Investigation Terminated 50 FR 15208 (4/17/85)

We determined that the (BEPZ) does not operate at a loss, and, therefore, this program does not convey a countervailable benefit.

Tax Deductions in Export Processing Zones

Certain Textiles (1983) 50 FR 1607 (1/11/85-prelim);   Investigation Terminated 50 FR 15208 (4/17/85)

We determined that tax deductions allowable under the EPZA is the same amount that is provided to producers registered under Article 45 of the OIC. Since Article 45 has been determined not to confer a bounty or grant on the basis that registration and benefits provided under Article 45 are not limited to a specific enterprise or industry or group of enterprises or industries.


SUBSIDY PROGRAMS THAT HAVE BEEN TERMINATED

The subsidy programs listed below have been investigated by the Department and have been found to have been terminated based on the criteria established in the Tariff and Trade Act of 1930, as amended. Please refer to this Act for further detail of the criteria applied. In addition, you may click on the cases listed below the subsidy program title for a full explanation of the Department's analysis in each of these cases.

Preferential Access to Foreign Exchange

Canned Tuna (1984) 51 FR 36260 (10/9/86-prelim);   51 FR 43758 (12/4/86-final)
Canned Tuna (8/83-12/83) 50 FR 9474 (3/8/85-prelim);   50 FR 30287 (7/25/85-final) not used
Certain Textiles (1983) 50 FR 1607 (1/11/85-prelim);   Investigation Terminated 50 FR 15208 (4/17/85)

(Terminated October 15, 1984) Because of the financial crisis and foreign exchange shortage in 1983 and 1984, the Philippine government established an interim system that would allocate scarce foreign exchange to those sectors that would lead the country towards economic recovery. Under Bank Circular 970, commercial banks are required to sell to the central bank all foreign exchange receipts from exports of merchandise and services. Circular 970 set the following priorities for distribution of foreign exchange (1) oil imports, (2) debt servicing, and (3) exporters in need of imported raw materials.


SUBSIDY PROGRAMS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN USED

When potential subsidy programs are investigated and found not to be used by the companies being investigated, the Department makes no determination as to their countervailability. If you click on the cases listed under the subsidy program title, you will be linked to each case in which the subsidy program was referenced.

Article 45(a) Deduction from Taxable Income

Canned Tuna (1982) 48 FR 37051 (8/16/83-prelim);   48 FR 50133 (10/31/83-final) not used

Under Article 45(a) of the OIC, all enterprises registered with the BOI may take a deduction from taxable income of all capitalized organization and pre-operating expenses, over a period not more than ten years from beginning of operations.

Article 45(e) Tax Credit Compensating for Value of Tax and Customs Duties

Canned Tuna (1982) 48 FR 37051 (8/16/83-prelim);   48 FR 50133 (10/31/83-final) not used
Certain Textiles (1983) 50 FR 1607 (1/11/85-prelim);   Investigation Terminated 50 FR 15208 (4/17/85) not used

Under Article 45(e) of the OIC, a registered enterprise which has purchased domestically produced equipment and received prior BOI approval may take a tax credit equivalent to 100 percent of the value of compensating tax and customs duties that it would have paid had it imported the machinery, equipment and spare parts.

Article 45(f) Deduction from Taxable Income

Canned Tuna (1982) 48 FR 37051 (8/16/83-prelim);   48 FR 50133 (10/31/83-final) not used

Article 45(f) of the OIC provides registered export producers with a similar tax exemption as Article 45(d). This Article allows a registered enterprise to take a tax credit for taxes withheld on interest payments on foreign loans when no such credit is available to the lender-remittee in its own country and the registered enterprise has assumed the liability for the payment of the tax due from the lender remittee.

Article 45(l) Deduction from Taxable Income for Labor Training

Canned Tuna (1982) 48 FR 37051 (8/16/83-prelim);   48 FR 50133 (10/31/83-final) not used

The Article of the OIC allows registered enterprises to take an additional deduction from taxable income of 50 percent of all expenses for labor training incurred for upgrading the productivity and efficiency of unskilled labor, provided that such deduction does not exceed 10 percent of all direct labor wages for a given year.

Article 48(e) Deduction from Taxable Income for New Brand Names

Canned Tuna (1984) 51 FR 36260 (10/9/86-prelim);   51 FR 43758 (12/4/86-final) not used
Canned Tuna (8/83-12/83) 50 FR 9474 (3/8/85-prelim);   50 FR 30287 (7/25/85-final) not used
Canned Tuna (1982) 48 FR 37051 (8/16/83-prelim);   48 FR 50133 (10/31/83-final) not used

This Article of the OIC allows a registered export producer an additional deduction from taxable income equal to one percent of the annual increase in its exports when it uses a new brand name that distinguishes its products from non-Philippine products.

Article 49(e) Income Tax Deduction for Financial Assistance

Canned Tuna (1984) 51 FR 36260 (10/9/86-prelim);   51 FR 43758 (12/4/86-final) not used
Canned Tuna (8/83-12/83) 50 FR 9474 (3/8/85-prelim);   50 FR 30287 (7/25/85-final) not used

Part of the OIC. No program description available.

Article 49(f) Income Tax Deduction for Overseas Offices

Canned Tuna (1984) 51 FR 36260 (10/9/86-prelim);   51 FR 43758 (12/4/86-final) not used
Canned Tuna (8/83-12/83) 50 FR 9474 (3/8/85-prelim);   50 FR 30287 (7/25/85-final) not used

Part of the OIC. No program description available.

Article 49(g)

Canned Tuna (1984) 51 FR 36260 (10/9/86-prelim);   51 FR 43758 (12/4/86-final) not used
Canned Tuna (8/83-12/83) 50 FR 9474 (3/8/85-prelim);   50 FR 30287 (7/25/85-final) not used

Part of the OIC. No program description available.

Article 51 Preferential Government Loans

Canned Tuna (1984) 51 FR 36260 (10/9/86-prelim);   51 FR 43758 (12/4/86-final) not used
Canned Tuna (8/83-12/83) 50 FR 9474 (3/8/85-prelim);   50 FR 30287 (7/25/85-final) not used
Canned Tuna (1982) 48 FR 37051 (8/16/83-prelim);   48 FR 50133 (10/31/83-final) not used

Article 51 of the OIC sets forth a policy that government financial institutions should accord priority to applications for financing made by BOI registered firms. However, this policy is not binding on either government of other financial institutions.

Article 53 Financial Assistance to Employee Stock Purchases

Canned Tuna (1984) 51 FR 36260 (10/9/86-prelim);   51 FR 43758 (12/4/86-final) not used
Canned Tuna (8/83-12/83) 50 FR 9474 (3/8/85-prelim);   50 FR 30287 (7/25/85-final) not used
Canned Tuna (1982) 48 FR 37051 (8/16/83-prelim);   48 FR 50133 (10/31/83-final) not used

This Article of the OIC provides for financial assistance to employees of registered enterprises through government loans for the purchase of shares of stock in registered enterprises, at a rate not to exceed six percent per annum. This article provides a benefit to private individuals who wish to purchase stock.

Article 54 Creation of Institute for Export Development

Canned Tuna (1984) 51 FR 36260 (10/9/86-prelim);   51 FR 43758 (12/4/86-final) not used
Canned Tuna (8/83-12/83) 50 FR 9474 (3/8/85-prelim);   50 FR 30287 (7/25/85-final) not used
Canned Tuna (1982) 48 FR 37051 (8/16/83-prelim);   48 FR 50133 (10/31/83-final) not used

This Article of the OIC provides for the creation of an Institute of Export Development which promotes exports by providing government funded assistance.

Certain Provisions Provided Under the Export Processing Zone Authority

Certain Textiles (1983) 50 FR 1607 (1/11/85-prelim);   Investigation Terminated 50 FR 15208 (4/17/85) not used

Export Credit Insurance and Guarantee Corporation (ECIGC)

Canned Tuna (1984) 51 FR 36260 (10/9/86-prelim);   51 FR 43758 (12/4/86-final) not used
Canned Tuna (8/83-12/83) 50 FR 9474 (3/8/85-prelim);   50 FR 30287 (7/25/85-final) not used
Canned Tuna (1982) 48 FR 37051 (8/16/83-prelim);   48 FR 50133 (10/31/83-final) not used

The ECIGC provides insurance policies and certificates of guarantee against credit risks arising out of or in connection with export transactions.

Foreign Currency Retention Scheme

Certain Textiles (1983) 50 FR 1607 (1/11/85-prelim);   Investigation Terminated 50 FR 15208 (4/17/85) not used

No program description available.

Government Equity Investment

Canned Tuna (1984) 51 FR 36260 (10/9/86-prelim);   51 FR 43758 (12/4/86-final) not used
Canned Tuna (8/83-12/83) 50 FR 9474 (3/8/85-prelim);   50 FR 30287 (7/25/85-final) not used

No program description available.

Offsetting Export Tax

Canned Tuna (8/83-12/83) 50 FR 9474 (3/8/85-prelim);   50 FR 30287 (7/25/85-final) not used

No program description available.

Section 17(f) of PD 66 Creating the Export Processing Zone Authority

Certain Textiles (1983) 50 FR 1607 (1/11/85-prelim);   Investigation Terminated 50 FR 15208 (4/17/85) not used

No program description available.

Tax Credit for Net Local Value

Canned Tuna (1984) 51 FR 36260 (10/9/86-prelim);   51 FR 43758 (12/4/86-final) not used
Canned Tuna (8/83-12/83) 50 FR 9474 (3/8/85-prelim);   50 FR 30287 (7/25/85-final) not used

No program description available.

World Bank Import Funding

Canned Tuna (8/83-12/83) 50 FR 9474 (3/8/85-prelim);   50 FR 30287 (7/25/85-final) not used

No program description available.


SUBSIDY PROGRAMS DETERMINED NOT TO EXIST

The following subsidy programs were alleged by the petitioning industries and were investigated by the Department. However, during the investigation we found no evidence that such programs actually existed. If you click on the cases listed under the subsidy program title, you will be linked to each case in which the subsidy program was referenced. It is possible that, while the program named did not exist, a similar program having a different name actually was investigated. If this is the case, you will find that program listed elsewhere in this library.

No programs listed.