02/10/2008

The Philippines: duty-free imports of fuel for the tuna industry?

It seems that the Philippino government is allowing tuna companies to import fuel directly. According to the Philippino press tuna companies would be allowed to import fuel from say, Malaysia, where it is cheaper (37 Peso/liter) than in the Philippines.

Furthermore tuna company discussed at the 10th National Tuna Congress a resolution asking the government for a 5 Peso per liter subsidy on petroleum products.

There have been also calls by politicians (e.g. Senate President Manny Villar) to "extend fuel discount, livelihood support and loans for the purchase of second-hand vessels to affected fishermen, while also pushing for the review of the Oil Deregulation Law.

Hereunder are links to the Philippino press and to a press release by Senator Villar:


http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view/20080912-160306/Govt-allows-tuna-firms-to-import-fuel

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/dav/2008/09/09/bus/gov.t.allows.direct.oil.import.by.tuna.companies.html

http://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2008/0904_villar1.asp

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