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.