Typhoon Ondoy, Philippine Consulate-sf Press Release 3 10022009 Ltr-504-2009

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LTR-504-2009 KONSULAD() PANLAHAT NG PII.IPINAS

CONSULATECENERAL OF THF, PHII,IPPINES

S-\N FR{NCISCO

02 October2009 DearKababayan,

As part of our informationdissemination campaignon the ongoingreliefefforts for the victimsof TyphoonOndoy,the PhilippineConsulateGeneralin San Francisco would like to make some clarificationson the issue of foreign donations.As earlier announcedby PresidentGloria MacapagalArroyo, donationsin kind (except used clothing)shall be exemptedfrom customsduties and taxes providedthal these are directlyaddressedto the Departmentof SocialWelfareand Development (DSWD). Thefollowing clarifications shouldalsobe takenin account: .

There are two (2) import facilitiesto releaseforeign donations- the special importfacilityunderPresidsntialMemorandum OrderNo. 36 (pMO36)andthe regular importfacilityunderSection 105 ('l) of the RevisedTariffand Customs (TCCP). Codeof the Philippines o PMO 36 is utilizedfor importationsintendedfor distributionto calamity areas and donorsare encouraged to consignthe goodsto the DSWD. However, the duty and taxes accruing to importationcleared under PMO 36 are stjll shouldered by the Officeof the President. . The regularimportfacilityunderSection105(1) of the TCCPprovidesdutyfree importationby the DSWD. But registered/licensed/accredited social welfare agencies are stillsubjectto 12%VATfortheseimportations. . Both importfacilitiesrequiresubmissionof the bill of lading,packingtist or invoice,deed of donationduly authenlicatedby the PhilippineConsulateOftice from pointof originto the DWSDas the recommending Officefor the availmentof lhe duty free privilege. . lmportationconsignedto any private entity is considereda regular importation subject to duty and taxes. . Used clothingas donationsis prohibitedunderRepublicAct No. 4653,thus the Bureauof Customscan seize/apprehend said importation.

447 SuserSbeet 6" Floor, Philippine C.ntd BuiHnu, Se, Fmcisco, CA 9.1108 Te[ {415)43}6666iF* (115)4tl-2641!E-mil sanli'dninq}.s2(x)1,!rah{p.(rniWebsitersw.philippine.onsu]ab-sf.org

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The PhilioDineConsulate General has reserved the Ground Floor of the PhilippineCenterat 447 SutterStreet,San Franciscoas a drop-off area for the collection,packing,and sendingof reliefgoodsfor victimsof TyphoonOndoy.We have assignedconsulatepersonnelon rotationbasis to accept these donations during regularoffice hours,weekends,and holidays.On scheduleddates for the packingof thesereliefitems(if necessary), we will welcomevolunteersfrom the Bay Area FilipinoAmericancommunityto assistin this effort. For those intendingto donate used clothing despite their prohibitionunder RepublicAct No.4653, the PhilippineConsulateGeneralwill still acceptthese donationsbut they will be sent to the U.S.SalvationArmy and otherAmericanrelief organizations.

Onceagain,I thankov kababayans in SanFrancisco andthe BayAreafor their contributions andassistance to thishumanitarian effort.

Sincerely,