No new duty free stores in RP

No new duty free stores in RP

MANILA (AFP): President Fidel Ramos has reaffirmed a ban on the construction of new duty free stores and the expansion of existing ones in the Philippines, a document received here yesterday said.

Ramos issued the order Friday "in order to prevent abuse of duty free privilege and to protect local industries from unfair competition," a copy of the order stated.

The order however also acknowledged that the operation of existing duty free stores in the former U.S. military bases of Subic and Clark, "is needed to enhance domestic tourism and help generate support" for the Philippines' celebration of its 100th anniversary of independence in 1998.

The ban on the establishment of more duty free stores was first issued on June 16 to coordinate and check the flow of tax free goods into the country.