THE Palace has given the green light for the modification of the rate of the import duty on national gypsum and anhydrite.

The products are considered as the main raw materials when it comes to manufacturing plasterboards and cement. 
 

The said order was signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.

Executive Order No. 46 identifies the modifying rate of import duty on natural gypsum and anhydrite.

It said that it will help revitalize and increase the competitiveness of the local plasterboard and cement industries in the country.

The said EO likewise stated that the modified rate for import duty is expected to housing and infrastructure projects in the Philippines.

“At present, there are no operating mines of natural gypsum and anhydrite in the country, and there are also no local substitute for said products that are available for domestic producers of plasterboards and cement,” the EO read. 

The Republic Act No. 10863, or the "Customs Modernization and Tariff Act,” states that the President has the authority, in the interest of general welfare and national security and upon recommendation of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), to increase, reduce, or remove existing rates of import duty.