Philippines
Trade Policy Review: The Philippines 2012
“Trade Policy Reviews” analyse the trade policies and practices of each member of the WTO. The reviews consist of three parts: an independent report by the WTO Secretariat, a report by the government, and the concluding remarks by the Chair of the WTO’s Trade Policy Review Body. The opening section - “key trade facts” - provides a visual overview of the WTO member’s major exports/imports, main export destinations, origins for its imports and other key data. This edition looks into the trade practices of The Philippines.
Trade Policy Review: Philippines 2018
“Trade Policy Reviews” analyse the trade policies and practices of each member of the WTO. The reviews consist of three parts: an independent report by the WTO Secretariat, a report by the government, and the concluding remarks by the Chair of the WTO’s Trade Policy Review Body. The opening section - “key trade facts” - provides a visual overview of the WTO member’s major exports/imports, main export destinations, origins for its imports and other key data. This edition looks into the trade practices of Philippines.
Concluding Remarks by the Chairperson of the Trade Policy Review Body, H.E. Mr. Manuel A.J. Teehankee of the Philippines at the Trade Policy Review of Canada, 12 and 14 June 2019
This eleventh Trade Policy Review of Canada has indeed allowed us to understand the important developments in the economic, trade and investment regime of Canada over the last four years. I would like to thank the Canadian delegation headed by Ms. Kendal Hembroff, Director General, Trade Negotiations, Global Affairs Canada, for their very active participation and engagement in this exercise. I would also like to thank our discussant, Ambassador Juan Carlos Gonzalez, Permanent Representative of Colombia to the WTO, for his remarks and insightful words that have propelled these discussions, as well as the 53 delegations which took the floor during this meeting.
Preface
The Trade Policy Review Mechanism (TPRM) was first established on a trial basis by the GATT CONTRACTING PARTIES in April 1989. The Mechanism became a permanent feature of the World Trade Organization under the Marrakesh Agreement which established the WTO in January 1995.
Report by the Philippines
Despite the crisis, however, the Philippine economy sizzled to its highest annual GDP growth in the post Marcos era of 7.3% in 2010. GDP growth rate increased from 5.0% in 2005 up to 7.1% in 2007. Thereafter, it declined to 3.7% in 2008 with the advent of the global financial crisis, and recorded its lowest level at 1.1% in 2009. Behaving similarly, GNP accelerated to a 7.2% growth in 2010. GNP increases ranged from 5.4% in 2005 up to 7.5% in 2007, declining to 6.4% in 2008, and also recording its lowest level at 4.0% in 2009.
Concluding Remarks by the Chairperson of the Trade Policy Review Body, H.E. Mr. Manuel A.J. Teehankee of the Philippines at the Trade Policy Review of Trinidad and Tobago, 22 and 24 May 2019
The fourth Trade Policy Review of Trinidad and Tobago has indeed offered us a better understanding of trade and economic developments in the country over the past seven years. I would like to thank the Trinidad and Tobago delegation, led by H.E. Senator Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry, for her constructive engagement throughout this Review. I would also like to thank the discussant, H.E. Ambassador Michael Gaffey of Ireland, for his insightful remarks, and all the delegations that took the floor for their valuable contributions. The more than 200 questions submitted by 15 Members, and the interventions by 23 delegations underline the importance attached by WTO Members to Trinidad and Tobago’s trade and investment policies and practices.
Report by the WTO Secretariat
The Philippines economy has performed well since its third TPR in 2005, based on a relatively open trade regime. Nonetheless, the economy is operating below potential due to the slow pace of reform while some of the key constraints on overall growth remain (e.g. inadequate infrastructure, low investment, and governance issues). Improved productivity is essential for the Philippines to compete with low-cost neighbouring economies, and additional steps are needed to promote more competition, improve human capital, eliminate limitations on foreign investment, reduce incentives, and reform state-owned institutions. It is also hoped that the Government’s recently launched public-private partnerships initiative will encourage investment in major infrastructure projects.
Concluding Remarks by the Chairperson of the Trade Policy Review Body, H.E. Mr. Manuel A.J. Teehankee of the Philippines at the Trade Policy Review of Samoa, 10 and 12 April 2019
This third joint Review of East African Community (EAC) Member countries has provided us with a good opportunity to assess the developments in their trade policies and practices, in the context of their regional integration initiatives, since their previous joint Review in 2012. We now have a better understanding of their trade regimes and the challenges they are facing.
Remarques finales formulées par le Président de l’Organe d’Examen des politiques commerciales, S.E. M. Manuel A.J. Teehankee (Philippines) lors de l’Examen de la Politique Commerciale du Canada les 12 et 14 juin 2019
Ce onzième examen de la politique commerciale du Canada nous a permis de comprendre les principales évolutions du régime économique, de commerce et d’investissement du Canada intervenues au cours des quatre dernières années. Je souhaite remercier la délégation canadienne, dirigée par Mme Kendal Hembroff, Directrice générale des négociations commerciales auprès d’Affaires mondiales Canada, pour sa participation et son engagement très actifs dans le cadre de cet exercice. Je voudrais aussi remercier notre présentateur, M. l’Ambassadeur Juan Carlos Gonzalez, Représentant permanent de la Colombie auprès de l’OMC, pour ses observations et ses interventions pertinentes qui ont nourri les discussions, ainsi que les 53 délégations qui ont pris la parole au cours de la réunion.
Concluding remarks by the Chairperson of the Trade Policy Review Body, H.E. Mr. Manuel A.J. Teehankee of the Philippines at the Trade Policy Review of Costa Rica, 18 and 20 September 2019.
This fifth Trade Policy Review of Costa Rica has allowed us to deepen our understanding of Costa Rica’s trade and investment regime since its last review in 2013. I would like to thank H.E. Mr. Duayner Salas, Vice Minister of Foreign Trade of Costa Rica, as well as Ambassador Gloria Abraham, and the rest of the Costa Rican delegation, for their active and constructive participation. I would also like to thank Ambassador Mikael Anzén, Permanent Representative of Sweden to the WTO, for his remarks as discussant, which were instrumental in framing our discussions, as well as to the 33 delegations that took the floor during this meeting. Costa Rica has provided comprehensive written responses to almost all of the 350 advance written questions posed by Members.
Concluding Remarks by the Chairperson of the Trade Policy Review Body, H.E. Mr. Juan Carlos González of Colombia at the Trade Policy Review of The Philippines, 26 and 28 March 2018
This fifth Trade Policy Review of the Philippines has offered us an excellent opportunity to deepen our understanding of the trade, economic, and investment policies of the Philippines. More than 300 questions from 22 Members were submitted to the Philippines before the meeting, which underlines the importance Members attached to this Review. I would like to thank the delegation of the Philippines, led by H.E. Dr. Ceferino Rodolfo, Undersecretary of Trade and Industry, the discussant, H.E. Ambassador Stephen de Boer of Canada, and the 34 delegations that took the floor for their valuable contributions to this Review.
Concluding Remarks by the Chairperson of the Trade Policy Review Body, H.E. Mr Manuel A.J. Teehankee of the Philippines at the Trade Policy Review of Lao People’s Democratic Republic, 18 and 20 November 2019.
The first Trade Policy Review of Lao PDR has offered us a good opportunity to deepen our understanding of recent developments in, and challenges to, its trade, economic, and investment policies. Since its accession in 2013, Lao PDR’s initiatives to further integrate into the Multilateral Trading System and take advantage of the opportunities it offers have been greatly appreciated. Indeed, the about 200 advance written questions submitted by 12 Members and the 23 delegations that took the floor during the first day underline the importance attached by Members to Lao PDR’s trade and investment policies and practices.
Concluding Remarks by the Chairperson of the Trade Policy Review Body, H.E. Mr. Manuel A.J. Teehankee of the Philippines at the Trade Policy Review of Papua New Guinea, 8 and 10 May 2019
This third Trade Policy Review of Papua New Guinea has offered us a good opportunity to deepen our understanding of recent developments in, and challenges to, its trade, economic, and investment policies. Our discussion has benefited from the active participation of the PNG delegation, led by Ambassador Joshua Kalinoe, as well as from the contribution of our discussant, Ambassador Martins Kreitus, Permanent Representative of Latvia to the WTO. I would also like to thank the 21 delegations that took the floor for their interventions.
Concluding Remarks by the Chairperson of the Trade Policy Review Body, H.E. Mr. Manuel A.J. Teehankee of the Philippines at the Trade Policy Review of Suriname, 11 and 13 September 2019.
The third Trade Policy Review of Suriname has offered us a good opportunity to deepen our understanding of recent developments in, and challenges to, its trade, economic, and investment policies. The more than 130 advance written questions submitted by 13 Members and the 18 delegations that took the floor during the first day underline the importance attached by Members to Suriname’s trade and investment policies and practices. The statements, questions, and replies voiced in the course of this Review have highlighted the fact that Suriname is a generally open economy, with strong historical and economic links to many parts of the world, that is rich in natural resources and for which trade is essential for development.
Concluding Remarks by the Chairperson of the Trade Policy Review Body, H.E. Mr. Manuel A.J. Teehankee of the Philippines at the Trade Policy Review of Australia, 11 and 13 March 2020.
This eighth Trade Policy Review of Australia has allowed us to track and acknowledge significant developments in the economic, trade and investment regime of Australia over the past five years. I would like to thank especially the head of the Australian delegation, Mr. George Mina, First Assistant Secretary, Office of Trade Negotiations at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and his Canberra-based colleagues, who made a very long journey to participate in this review under exceptional circumstances, as well as our discussant, Ambassador Julian Braithwaite, Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom, for his valuable remarks and insights. My gratitude is also extended to the WTO Members that provided advance written questions and approximately 40 delegations for their formal statements that allowed us to conduct the proceedings as a “virtual review”.
Concluding remarks by the Chairperson of the Trade Policy Review Body, H.E. Mr. Eduardo Muñoz Gómez at the Trade Policy Review of the Philippines 20 and 22 March 2012
This fourth Trade Policy Review of the Philippines has provided us with an excellent opportunity to improve our understanding of the Philippines’ trade and trade-related policies and practices and how they have evolved since the previous review in 2005. We are grateful for the active participation of the Filipino delegation headed by H.E. Mr. Adrian Cristobal Jr., Undersecretary of Trade and Industry. I would also like to thank the discussant, Mr. Martin Glass of Hong Kong-China, and Members of the TPRB for contributing to our fruitful exchange of views. At the outset, I note the very comprehensive comments that have been made by Undersecretary Cristobal on a number of themes.
Introduction
The Trade Policy Review Mechanism (TPRM) was first established on a trial basis by the GATT contracting parties in April 1989. The Mechanism became a permanent feature of the World Trade Organization under the Marrakesh Agreement which established the WTO in January 1995.
Report by the WTO Secretariat
Since its last Trade Policy Review in 2012, the Philippine economy has grown at an average annual rate of about 6%. Growth was driven mainly by consumption and infrastructure investment. GDP per capita in 2016 was some US$2,950, up from US$2,580 in 2012. The poverty rate declined from 25.2% in 2012 to 21.6% in 2015. Services constitute the most important sector in terms of contribution to GDP, and are also the fastest growing export sector. The Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 focuses on making the economy more competitive, underpinned by sound regulatory practices and competition policy, and open services markets.
Philippines - Taxes on Distilled Spirits
On 29 July 2009, the European Communities requested consultations with the Philippines concerning the Philippines' current Excise Tax regime on distilled spirits, which has been in place since 1997. The European Communities contends that the regime discriminates against imported distilled spirits by taxing them at a substantially higher rate than domestic spirits. The European Communities cites a number of specific measures under the regime in its request. The European Communities considers that these measures are inconsistent with the Philippines' obligations under GATT 1994, in particular Article III:2. On 10 August 2009, the United States requested to join the consultations. Subsequently, the Philippines informed the DSB that it had accepted the request of the United States to join the consultations.
Tailandia - Medidas aduaneras y fiscales sobre los cigarrillos procedentes de Filipinas - Recurso 2
El 12 de julio de 2019, la OMC distribuyó el informe del Grupo Especial sobre el cumplimiento relativo al asunto planteado por Filipinas: “Tailandia — Medidas aduaneras y fiscales sobre los cigarrillos procedentes de Filipinas — Segundo recurso de Filipinas al párrafo 5 del artículo 21 del ESD” (DS371).
Thaïlande - Mesures douanières et fiscales visant les cigarettes en provenance des Philippines
Le 15 novembre 2010, l’OMC a publié le rapport du Groupe spécial chargé d’examiner la plainte des Philippines contre la Thaïlande, qui concernait des mesures douanières et fiscales visant les cigarettes en provenance des Philippines (DS371).
Thailand - Customs and fiscal measures on cigarettes from the Philippines - Recourse 2
On 12 July 2019 the WTO circulated the panel report in the compliance case initiated by the Philippines in “Thailand — Customs and Fiscal Measures on Cigarettes from the Philippines — Second Recourse to Article 21.5 of the DSU by the Philippines” (DS371).
Philippines - Taxes sur les spiritueux distillés
L’Organe d’appel a remis, le 21 décembre 2011, son rapport dans l’affaire “Philippines — Taxes sur les spiritueux distillés” (WT/DS396/AB/R et WT/DS403/AB/R).
Australie - Certaines mesures concernant les marques de fabrique ou de commerce, les indications géographiques et autres prescriptions en matière d’emballage neutre applicables aux produits du tabac et à leur emballage
Le 9 juin 2020, l’Organe d’appel a remis ses rapports dans les procédures engagées par le Honduras et la République dominicaine dans l’affaire “Australie — Certaines mesures concernant les marques de fabrique ou de commerce, les indications géographiques et autres prescriptions en matière d’emballage neutre applicables aux produits du tabac et à leur emballage” (DS435 et DS441).
Philippines - Taxes on Distilled Spirits
On 29 July 2009, the European Communities requested consultations with the Philippines concerning the Philippines' current Excise Tax regime on distilled spirits, which has been in place since 1997. The European Communities contends that the regime discriminates against imported distilled spirits by taxing them at a substantially higher rate than domestic spirits. The European Communities cites a number of specific measures under the regime in its request. The European Communities considers that these measures are inconsistent with the Philippines' obligations under GATT 1994, in particular Article III:2. On 10 August 2009, the United States requested to join the consultations. Subsequently, the Philippines informed the DSB that it had accepted the request of the United States to join the consultations.
Philippines - Taxes sur les spiritueux distillés
Le 15 août 2011, l’OMC a publié le rapport du Groupe spécial qui avait examiné les plaintes de l’Union européenne et des États-Unis dans l’affaire “Philippines — Taxes sur les spiritueux distillés” (DS396 et DS403).
Filipinas - Impuestos sobre los aguardientes
El 15 de agosto de 2011, la OMC publicó el informe del Grupo Especial que había examinado las reclamaciones presentadas por la Unión Europea y los Estados Unidos en relación con el asunto “Filipinas — Impuestos sobre los aguardientes” (DS396 y DS403).
Australie - Certaines mesures concernant les marques de fabrique ou de commerce, les indications géographiques et autres prescriptions en matière d’emballage neutre applicables aux produits du tabac et à leur emballage
Le 28 juin 2014, l’OMC a distribué le rapport du Groupe spécial dans les affaires introduites par le Honduras, la République dominicaine, Cuba et l’Indonésie “Australie — Certaines mesures concernant les marques de fabrique ou de commerce, les indications géographiques et autres prescriptions en matière d’emballage neutre applicables aux produits du tabac et à leur emballage” (DS435, DS441, DS458 et DS467)
United States - Safeguard Measure on Imports of Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Products
On 2 September 2021 the WTO circulated the panel report in the case brought by China in “United States — Safeguard Measure on Imports of Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Products” (DS562).
Brasil - Medidas que afectan al coco desecado
El 17 de octubre de 1996, la OMC hizo público el informe del Grupo especial sobre el caso “Brasil - Medidas que afectan al coco desecado”.
Thailand - Customs and Fiscal Measures on Cigarettes from the Philippines
On 7 February 2008, the Philippines requested consultations with Thailand concerning a number of Thai fiscal and customs measures affecting cigarettes from the Philippines. Such measures include Thailand's customs valuation practices, excise tax, health tax, TV tax, VAT regime, retail licensing requirements and import guarantees imposed upon cigarette importers. The Philippines claims that Thailand administers these measures in a partial and unreasonable manner and thereby violates Article X:3(a) of the GATT 1994.
États-Unis - Mesure de sauvegarde visant les importations de produits photovoltaïques au silicium cristallin
Le 2 septembre 2020, l’OMC a distribué le rapport du Groupe spécial chargé d’examiner l’affaire introduite par la Chine “États-Unis — Mesure de sauvegarde visant les importations de produits photovoltaïques au silicium cristallin” (DS562).
Brazil - Measures Affecting Desiccated Coconut
On 27 November 1995, the Philippines requested consultations with Brazil in respect of a countervailing duty imposed by Brazil on the Philippine’s exports of desiccated coconut. The Philippines claimed that this duty was inconsistent with WTO and GATT rules.
Tailandia - Medidas aduaneras y fiscales sobre los cigarrillos procedentes de Filipinas
El 15 de noviembre de 2010, la OMC hizo público el informe del Grupo especial sobre el caso “Tailandia - Medidas aduaneras y fiscales sobre los cigarrillos procedentes de Filipinas”.
Thaïlande - Mesures douanières et fiscales visant les cigarettes en provenance des Philippines
Le 17 juin 2011, l’Organe d’appel a publié son rapport dans l’affaire Thaïlande — Mesures douanières et fiscales visant les cigarettes en provenance des Philippines (WT/DS371/AB/R).
Thailand - Customs and Fiscal Measures on Cigarettes from the Philippines
On 7 February 2008, the Philippines requested consultations with Thailand concerning a number of Thai fiscal and customs measures affecting cigarettes from the Philippines. Such measures include Thailand's customs valuation practices, excise tax, health tax, TV tax, VAT regime, retail licensing requirements and import guarantees imposed upon cigarette importers. The Philippines claims that Thailand administers these measures in a partial and unreasonable manner and thereby violates Article X:3(a) of the GATT 1994.
Thaïlande - Mesures douanières et fiscales visant les cigarettes en provenance des Philippines - Recours 2
Le 12 juillet 2019, l’OMC a distribué le rapport du Groupe spécial dans la procédure de mise en conformité engagée par les Philippines dans l’affaire “Thaïlande — Mesures douanières et fiscales visant les cigarettes en provenance des Philippines — Deuxième recours des Philippines à l’article 21:5 du Mémorandum d’accord sur le règlement des différends” (DS371).
Estados Unidos - Medida de salvaguardia sobre las importaciones de productos fotovoltaicos de silicio cristalino
El 2 de septiembre de 2021, la OMC distribuyó el informe del Grupo Especial encargado de examinar el asunto “Estados Unidos — Medida de salvaguardia sobre las importaciones de productos fotovoltaicos de silicio cristalino” (DS562), planteado por China.
Australia - Certain Measures Concerning Trademarks, Geographical Indications and Other Plain Packaging Requirements Applicable to Tobacco Products and Packaging
On 9 June 2020 the Appellate Body issued its reports in the cases brought by Honduras and the Dominican Republic in “Australia — Certain Measures Concerning Trademarks, Geographical Indications and Other Plain Packaging Requirements Applicable to Tobacco Products and Packaging” (DS435 and DS441).
Australia - Determinadas medidas relativas a las marcas de fábrica o de comercio, indicaciones geográficas y otras prescripciones de empaquetado genérico aplicables a los productos de tabaco y al empaquetado de esos productos
El 9 de junio de 2020, el Órgano de Apelación emitió sus informes en los asuntos planteados por Honduras y la República Dominicana en “Australia — Determinadas medidas relativas a las marcas de fábrica o de comercio, indicaciones geográficas y otras prescripciones de empaquetado genérico aplicables a los productos de tabaco y al empaquetado de esos productos” (DS435 y DS441).
Brasil - Medidas que afectan al coco desecado
El 21 de febrero de 1997, el Órgano de Apelación hizo público el informe sobre el caso “Brasil - Medidas que afectan al coco desecado”.
Filipinas - Impuestos sobre los aguardientes
El 21 de diciembre de 2011, el Órgano de Apelación emitió su informe sobre la diferencia “Filipinas — Impuestos sobre los aguardientes” (WT/DS396/AB/R y WT/DS403/AB/R).
Brazil - Measures Affecting Desiccated Coconut
On 27 November 1995, the Philippines requested consultations with Brazil in respect of a countervailing duty imposed by Brazil on the Philippine’s exports of desiccated coconut. The Philippines claimed that this duty was inconsistent with WTO and GATT rules.
Tailandia - Medidas aduaneras y fiscales sobre los cigarrillos procedentes de Filipinas
El 17 de junio de 2011, el Órgano de Apelación hizo público el informe sobre el caso “Tailandia - Medidas aduaneras y fiscales sobre los cigarrillos procedentes de Filipinas”.
Brésil - Mesures visant la noix de coco desséchée
Le 17 octobre 1996, l’OMC a publié le rapport du Groupe spécial dans l’affaire “Bresil - Mesures visant la noix de coco dessechee”.