Special Economic Zones in Philippines
The Philippine Economic Zone Authority(PEZA)
Special EconomicZone Act of 1995Special Economic Zones/EcozonesExport DevelopmentAact (EDA) of 1994Special EconomicZonesSBF EnterprisesClark SpecialEconomic Zone (CSEZ)Other SpecialEconomic Zones
I. Special Economic ZoneAct of 1995
Republic Act (RA) No. 7916 or the Special Economic Zone Actof 1995 (the "Act") was signed into law on 24 Feb 1995. The law was createdto encourage economic growth through the development of special economic zones called Ecozones.
The PEZA was also created out of the EPZA.
The PEZA is a government corporation under a director general.The PEZA's mission is to contribute to the national effort of accelerating employmentgeneration, particularly in the countryside.
II. Special EconomicZones/Ecozones
A. Ecozones
These are areas designated by the government for development intobalanced agricultural, industrial, commercial, and tourist/recreational regions.
Each Ecozone is to be developed as an independentcommunity with minimum government interference. It shall administer its own economic,financial, industrial and tourism development without help from the national government.It shall also provide adequate facilities to establish linkages with surroundingcommunities and other entities within the country.
Source: Project Evaluation andReview Dept.
Corporate Planning and Management Office
PEZA (as of Aug 31, 1996)
Selected Investment Locations
. | Zone | Area (ha) | Location |
(A) | Baguio City Export Processing Zone | 114 | Loakan Road, Baguio City |
(B) | Luisita Industrial Park | 29 | San Miguel, Tarlac |
(C) | Angeles Industrial Park | 32 | Bacolor, Pampanga |
(D) | Subic Shipyard Special Zone | 52 | Subic, Zambales |
(E) | Bataan export Processing Zone | 1,600 | Mariveles, Bataan |
(F) | Cavite Export Processing Zone | 276 | Rosario, Cavite |
(G) | Tabangao SEPZ | 86 | Tabangao, Batangas |
(H) | Victoria Wave Industrial Estate | 50 | Bo Malaria, Tala |
(I) | First Cavite Industrial Estate - SEPZ | 54 | Dasmarinas, Cavite |
Gateway Business Park - SEPZ | 100 | Gen Trias, Cavite | |
Laguna Technopark - SEPZ | 71 | Sta Rosa, Laguna | |
Toyota Sta. Rosa (Laguna) - SEPZ Industrial Complex | 25 | Sta Rosa, Laguna | |
Laguna Int'l Industrial Park - SEPZ | 32 | Binan, Laguna | |
Carmelray Industrial Park - SEPZ | 44 | Canlubang, Laguna | |
. | Light Industry & Science Park I | 67 | Cabuyao, Laguna |
. | Light Industry & Science Park II 54 | 65 | Calamba, Laguna |
(J) | Mactan Export Processing Zone | 119 | Lapu-lapu, Cebu City |
. | Mactan Export Processing Zone II | 63 | Lapu-lapu, Cebu City |
(K) | Leyte Industrial Dev. Estate | 425 | Isabel, Leyte |
Ecozones are divided into the following types
1. Industrial Estates (IEs) are tracts of land developed for the use of industries. They have basic infrastructure such as roads, water and sewage systems, pre-built factory buildings, and residential housing for the use of the community. |
2. Export Processing Zones (EPZs) are special IEs whose locator companies are mainly export-oriented. EPZ incentives include tax- and duty-free importation of capital equipment, raw materials and spare parts. The government has designated 4 EPZs; Bataan, Cavite, Baguio City and Mactan Island in the Visayas. There are about 250 registered companies in the EPZs, most of which are involved in the manufacture and export of electronics, garments, rubber products, fabricated metals, plastics, electrical machinery, transport equipment and industrial chemicals. |
3. Free Trade Zones are areas nearby ports of entry, such as seaports and airports. Imported goods may be unloaded, repacked, sorted and manipulated without being subjected to import duties. However, if these goods are moved into a non-free trade zone, they will be subjected to customs duties. ASEAN has agreed to create an Free Trade Zones by 2003. |
4. Tourist & Recreational Centers contain establishments that cater to both local and foreign visitors to the Ecozones. Such businesses include hotels, resorts, apartments and sports facilities. |
B. Ecozone Enterprises
Brief descriptions of each type of Ecozone Enterprise
- Free Trade Enterprise - imports and markets tax- and duty- free goods within the free trade area in the Ecozone. Goods brought outside the free trade area will be subject to customs and tariff duties.
- Service Enterprise - is engaged in any one or a combination of the following activities : customs brokerage, trucking/forwarding, janitorial, security, insurance and/or banking, consulting or any such service approved by PEZA.
- Domestic Market Enterprise - manufacturer, assembler or processor if goods that cannot export at least 50% of their output for a period of three years if majority-owned by Filipinos and at least 70% if majority-owned by foreign nationals.
- Pioneer Enterprise - with any of the following conditions
- manufactures, processes or produces goods not produced in a commercial scale in the country;
- uses a design, formula, scheme, method or process which is new and untried in the Philippines;
- produces non-conventional fuels or manufactures equipment that utilises non-conventional sources of energy;
- develops areas for agri-export processing development; or
- given such a status under the Investment Priorities Plan.
- Utilities Enterprise - contracted to provide light and power, water supply and distribution, communications and transportation systems in the Ecozone.
- Facilities Enterprise - contracted to build and maintain necessary infrastructure such as warehouses, buildings, road networks, ports, sewerage and drainage systems, and other facilities considered as necessary by PEZA in the development and operations of the Ecozone.
- Tourism Enterprise - operates tourist accommodation facilities, restaurants, and sports and recreational facilities in the Ecozone.
- Ecozone Developer/Operator - develops, operates, and maintains the Ecozone, all component sectors (i.e. IEs, EPZs, Free Trade Zones, and Tourist/Recreational Centers) and all related infrastructure (roads, light and power systems, drainage facilities, etc.)
C. Incentives to Ecozone Enterprises
Incentives granted by PEZA shall apply only to registered Ecozonecompanies and only during the period of their registration with PEZA. Export enterprisesregistered under the Export Processing Zone Authority shall continue to enjoy theircurrent incentives. However, PEZA enterprises whose Income Tax Holiday has already expiredwill be subject to the special 5% tax rate as provided in the Act.
D. Export & Free Trade Enterprises
Export & Free trade Enterprises registered with PEZA canavail of the following fiscal and non-fiscal incentives :
- Tax- and duty-free importation of capital equipment, raw materials, spare parts,supplies, breeding stocks and genetic materials;
- Income tax holiday of 4 to a maximum of 8 years for non-pioneer and pioneer projectsrespectively;
- A special tax rate of 5% of gross income in lieu of all national and local taxes afterthe income tax holiday;
- Tax credit for import substitution;
- Exemption from wharf dues, export tax and import fees;
- Tax credit on domestic capital equipment, breeding stocks, and genetic materials;
- Additional deduction for incremental labour expenses and training expenses;
- Unrestricted use of consigned equipment;
- Permanent resident status for foreign investors and immediate family;
- Employment of foreign nationals;
- Remittance of earnings without prior approval from the Bangko Sentral ng Filipinas.
E. Ecozone Developers and Operators; Facilities, Utilitiesand Tourism Enterprises; and Domestic Market Enterprises can avail of the followingincentives
- A special tax rate of 5% of gross income in lieu of nationaland local taxes;
- Additional deduction for training expenses;
- Permanent resident status for foreign investors and immediate family;
- Incentives under RA No. 6957 as amended by RA No. 7718, otherwise known asthe Revised Build-Operate-Transfer Law; and
- Other incentives available under Executive Order No. 226, as may be determined bythe PEZA Board.
F. Special 5% Tax Rate on Gross Income
In lieu of national and local taxes, all Ecozoneenterprises, except service enterprises, shall pay only 5% final tax on gross income.
Gross income shall mean gross revenues of any business activityless sales discounts, sales returns and allowances, and allowable deductions.Administrative expenses and incidental losses are not deductible from gross revenues.
The following are additional allowable deductions specific to EcozoneExport, Free Trade, and Domestic Market Enterprises :
- Production supervision salaries
- Raw materials used in manufacturing
The following, on the other hand, are additional deductionsapplicable to Ecozone Facilities, Utilities and Tourism Enterprises :
- Service supervision salaries
- Direct materials, supplies
G. Investment and Operating Costs
Registration and filing fees with the PEZA amount to $300 whileregistration with the SEC costs 1/10 of 1% of the authorised capital. The minimal dailywage rate for non-agricultural workers is approximately $5.30/day. Rental rates forindustrial land range from $0.27-$0.45 per sq m per month. Construction costs for aself-designed factory building is about $200 per sq m.
III. EXPORT DEVELOPMENTACT (EDA) OF 1994
The Act was promulgated to provide a macro-economic policyframework to support the development of the export market and the activities undertaken byexporters. Exporters are generally defined as those earning at least 50% of their normaloperating revenue from the sale of products or services abroad.
To qualify for EDA incentives, exporters must earn at least 50% of their normal operatingrevenue from the sale of products or services abroad. Additionally, exporters are requiredto secure EDA accreditation.
Agencies/Institutions Granting EDA Accreditation : |
Bureau of Export Trade Promotion (BETP) of the Department of Trade and Industry Authorised by BETP : |
Once registered under the EDA, exporters are entitled toincentives (EDA incentives are in addition to the existing incentives granted by thedifferent government agencies) :
- Exemption from Presidential Decree No. 1853, or Advanced Payment of CustomsDuties;
- Duty-free importation of machinery and equipment and accompanying spare parts until Dec31, 1997;
- Tax credit until Dec 31, 1997 for imported inputs and raw materials used primarily forthe production and packaging of export goods and which are not readily available locally;
- Tax credit for increase in current year's export revenues, computed as follows:
Increase in Annual Export Revenue | Tax Credit (in %) |
First 5 % Next 5% Next 5% In excess of 15% | 2.5 5.0 7.5 10.0 |
The Bases Conversion & Development Act of 1992 hasdesignated the following areas as Special Economic Zones :
- Subic Naval Base
- Clark Air Base
- Camp John Hay (Baguio City)
- The Wallace Air Station (San Fernando, La Union)
- The O'Donnell Transmitter Station
- The San Miguel Naval Communications Station
- The Mt. Sta. Rita Station (Hermosa, Bataan)
A. Subic Special Economic & Free Port Zone
The zone has been established by the Philippine Government withthe aim of developing the area into a self-sustaining industrial, commercial, financialand investment centre in the Philippines.
Subic Bay is located 80 km northwest of Manila, in the provinceof Zambales, and a short distance north of the entrance to Manila Bay. It is strategicallylocated near major international shipping lanes in the South China Sea. It offers anatural harbour that is protected on 3 sides by mountains and is only a three-hour drivefrom manila. The site has a land area of 16,200 ha and an estimated English-speaking workforce of 66,000.
Facts and Statistics |
Labour The labour force is engaged mostly in the following industries : - shipbuilding and repair services - electrical works - metal working - engineering services - electronics equipment - marine equipment - utilities - air-conditioning and refrigeration - construction - recreation Prevalent skills are in shipbuilding and repairs, electrical and machine works, construction, machine maintenance, marine machinery repair, and power plant repair. Power Water Treatment Airport Seaport Subic Bay Taiwanese Industrial Park Subic Ship Repair Facility Note ! Roads Petroleum Storage Telecommunications |
B. Opportunities For Investors
The SBMA offers various incentives to local and foreign investorslocating within Industrial Estates in the Subic Bay Freeport (see Incentives offered toan SBF Enterprise). The investors must export at least 70% of their production.
- A proposed Multi-use Zone (148 ha) will be a convention centre to attract business fromneighbouring Asian countries. There are also plans for effective conversion and/or urbanrenewal of Olongapo City into commercial or trade areas.
- Investment opportunities are also offered in any of the planned tourist areas within theSubic Bay Area. Areas include the Peninsula Area, Grande Island, Pegueña/Mayanga Islandand Subic Bay Olongapo.
- The following areas of infrastructure development are also opportunities for investors:
- Upgrading of existing airport to handle both domestic and international flights
- Bullet and sky trains, and railways within and outside the Subic Bay Area
- Construction of suspension bridge - Subic Bay/Olongapo to the Peninsula
- Construction and maintenance of cable cars
- Various highways: East-West Expressway; highway linking airport to city; Manila to Subic Bay
- Port terminal for passengers or for commerce use
- Ferry service to and from Manila, Subic Bay and other areas in the SBF
- Power plants
- Water supply
- Construction of condominiums, villas near recreational areas,executive housing and low-cost housing near industrial areas.
A. SBF Enterprises
A business enterprise may register as an SBF Enterprise, and anatural person as an SBF Resident with the SBMA.
An SBF Enterprise is any business entity or concern within theSBF, duly registered with and/or licensed by the SBMA to operate any lawful economicactivity within the SBF. Registration as an SBF Enterprise is open to any businessenterprise in any area of economic activity, subject only to limitations in the PhilippineConstitution.
B. Incentivesoffered to an SBF Enterprise
- Right to freely engage in any business, trade, manufacturing,financial or service activity and to import and export freely all types of goods into andout of SBF, subject to certain laws and regulations;
- Right to employ foreign nationals subject to evidence of unavailability ofcomparably-skilled Filipinos within the Philippines;
- Exemption from all national and local taxes, in lieu of which a final tax of 5% of grossincome must be paid.
An SBF Enterprise which operates facilities or serviceswithin the SBF (SBF Facilities Operator) is entitled to the following additionalincentives :
- Right to manage the facilities on the real property it owns,has acquired or has leased within the SBF;
- Right to lease out real property it owns or has leased within the SBF, and to acquireand lease land and sell or lease out facilities to SBF Enterprises, subject tocertain guidelines;
- Right to make improvements on buildings and other facilities, and develop infrastructurenecessary to enhance the SBF's efficient operation, or grants contracts or concessions toother private or public parties for the construction or provision of any of the saidfacilities, subject to certain guidelines.
C. Top 20 Investors in Subic Bay Freeport & SpecialEconomic Zones (as of Sep 15, 1996)
Company Name | Project | Country | Project Cost (in million $) |
Mabuhav Philippines Satellite Corp. | Tracking & telemetry center for satellite | Philippines/China/ Indonesia | 205.7 |
Biwater International Limited | Water Privatisation | Philippines/Britain | 120.0 |
Enron Subic Power Corp. | Electric power | USA | 115.4 |
Coastal Subic Bay Terminal | Petroleum products | USA | 105.8 |
Federal Express Corp. | Air/land freight services | USA | 100.0 |
SBDMC | Taiwan industrial park development | Philippines/Taiwan | 100.0 |
Subic Bay Resort & Casino Inc. | Casino/hotel & restaurant | Malaysia | 96.2 |
Subic Bay Waterfront Devt Corporation Inc. | Marina development | Philippines/Australia | 80.0 |
Thomson Audio (Phils) Inc. | Audio & communication products | France | 72.8 |
Acer, Inc. | Motherboards & add-on cards | Taiwan | 50.0 |
Universal International Group | Golf course privatisation | Taiwan | 48.0 |
Air Philippines Corporation | Air passage cargo/freight transport service with maintenance & handling operations | Philippines | 42.3 |
Acer, Inc. | Personal computers & other related peripherals | Taiwan | 34.0 |
TECO Electric & Machinery co. Ltd. | Motors | Taiwan | 24.3 |
Subic Technopark Corporation | Japan techno park management | Philippines/Japan | 22.0 |
EliteGroup Computer System Co. | PC board/computer | Taiwan | 20.6 |
GVC Corporation | Motherboards | Taiwan | 20.0 |
Subic Telecommunications Company, Inc. (AT&T, PLDT, SBMA) | Telecommunications | U.S.A/Philippines | 20.0 |
Dialer & Business Ele Co, Ltd. | Telephone sets | Taiwan | 18.6 |
BICC Brands Rex | Data cables & accessories | Britain | 16.0 |
VI. Clark Special EconomicZone (CSEZ)
The Philippine government aims to develop the CSEZ as a newindustrial town site and as a major civil aviation complex for international passengersand cargo. Clark Field, located in the CSEZ, has been designated as the site of a premierinternational airport.
The territory of the CSEZ includes the former U.S. Clark Air Baseand its extensions located within Angeles City, municipalities of Mabalacat and Porac inPampanga and the municipality of Capas in Tarlac. The CSEZ covers a total area ofapproximately 28,041 ha.
Certain incentives also follow for enterprises located within theCSEZ Main Zone, encompassing Clark Air Base proper. Limited incentives are available toenterprises which are located within the rest of the area of the CSEZ.
Top 20 Investors in the Clark Special Economic Zone(as of Sep 30, 1996)
Firm | Project | Country | Investment CommitmentWithin 5 Years |
UTILITY PROJECT | |||
Philippine Long Distance & Telephone Co | Water Privatisation | Philippines/Britain | P2.00 billion |
TOURISM ESTATE PROJECT | |||
Mondragon Leisure & Corporation | Hotel resort complex (Holiday Inn, championship golf course, Hyatt Regency casino, a new hotel, water theme park, botanical garden, shopping arcade) | Philippines | P1.99 billion |
HOUSING PROJECT | |||
RN Development Corporation | Development, operation & management of fully integrated housing community | Philippines | P1.46 billion |
INDUSTRIAL PROJECT | |||
Yokohama Tire Phils, Inc. | Manufacture of automobile, truck & aircraft tires | Japan | P1.40 billion |
UTILITY PROJECT | |||
Clark Water & Sewerage Co. Inc. | Water distribution & sewerage system Philippines /Malaysia [Joint venture of CDC, Kemaman Terminal One Sdn. Bhd. (of Malaysia) and Ciriaco Corp.] | Philippines/Malaysia | P1.30 billion |
TOURISM ESTATE PROJECTS | |||
Hacienda Golf Company | Tourism resort complex composed of a 36-hole golf course, clubhouse, luxury villas, casino, hotel, restaurants, shopping mall, etc. | U.S.A | P1.00 billion |
Fun Avenue Development | Tourism and recreational theme park, hotels, condominiums, convention hall, business center, commercial shopping center | Philippines | P1.00 billion |
INDUSTRIAL PROJECTS | |||
Kita Corporation | Manufacturing & assembly of consumer electronics products | Philippines/Britain | P743.00 million |
Doojin Corporation | Korean industrial park | Philippines/Korea | P455.00 million |
Linaheim Properties, Inc. | Industrial estate | Philippines | P450.00 million |
SERVICE-ORIENTED PROJECT | |||
Transpacific Broadcast Group, Inc. | Satellite facilities | Philippines | P280.00 million |
COMMERCIAL PROJECT | |||
Puregold Duty Free, Inc. | Shopping mall | Philippines | P250.00 million |
INDUSTRIAL PROJECTS | |||
Sampo Technology (Phils), Inc. | Assembly of computer monitors and other electronic products | Taiwan | P220.00 million |
Horex Motorcycle Phils., Inc. | Motorcycle assembly & distribution | Philippines | P208.00 million |
Jacinto Container Corp. | Cylinder & drum manufacturing | Philippines | P200.00 million |
COMMERCIAL PROJECTS | |||
Fort Stotsenburg Development Corp. | Shopping center; restaurant, etc. | Philippines | P200.00million |
Amari Duty Free, Inc. | Commercial shopping center | Philippines | P160.00 million |
Clark Trading Corporation | Commercial shopping complex | Philippines | P160.00 million |
International Freeport Traders, Inc. | Entertainment & amusem*nt center; shopping mall | Philippines | P156.00 million |
Duty-Free Philippines | DFP duty-free shop | Philippines | P154.00 million |
VII. Other SpecialEconomic Zones
Subject to the concurrence by the local government units directlyaffected, the President may create other Special Economic Zones in the Wallace AirStation and Camp John Hay.
Upon recommendation of the Bases Conversion and DevelopmentAuthority, the President may likewise create Special Economic Zones in themunicipalities of Morong, Hermosa, Dinalupihan, Castillejos and San Marcelino.
Southern Mindanao : Abundance of natural and agriculturalresources in this area, together with its location (which makes it East Indonesia'sgateway to the world), make this an area where major international agricultural companiessuch as Dole, Del Monte, Cargill, General Milling and Coca-Cola are beginning to invest.Southern Mindanao is emerging as a major trading corridor for the ASEAN region.
There are also ongoing special development programmes designed torevitalise communities so that the social, industrial and public infrastructure networkscan all work together for the economic well-being of the community. The 5 major projectsare the Calabarzon project, the Samar Island Special Development Project, the Panay-NegrosAgro-Industrial Development Project, the South Cotabato-General Santos City AreaDevelopment Project and the Illigan-Cagayan de Oro Industrial Corridor.