Twelfth Congress Third Regular Session
Begun and held in Metro Manila, on Monday, the twenty-eight day of July, two thousand and three.
Republic Act No. 9290 April 15, 2004
AN ACT PROMOTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE FOOTWEAR, LEATHER GOODS AND TANNERY INDUSTRIES, PROVIDING INCENTIVES THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippine Congress Assembled:
Section 1. Short Title
This Act shall be known as the "Footwear, Leather Goods and Tannery Industries Development Act."
Section 2. Policy
Recognizing that the footwear, leather goods and tannery industries have the potential to generate employment through their integrated development, and increase the country's foreign exchange earnings through exports and import substitutes, it shall be the policy of the State to support, promote and encourage the growth and development of the small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) belonging to these industries.
Toward this end, the State shall encourage the development of these industries by:
Section 3. Development Incentives
The following incentives shall be available to qualified footwear, leather goods and tannery enterprises for a maximum period of ten (10) years from the effectivity of this Act:
Section 4. Government and Private Sector Support
All government personnel entitled to clothing, shoes and other similar allowances shall be mandated to source their footwear and leather goods needs from domestically accredited producers and manufacturers of products of said industries. All private recruitment agencies registered and accredited with the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA) shall source the apparel, footwear and related products from the said industries. All other private organizations and institutions shall be encouraged to likewise source their apparel, footwear and similar needs from these domestic industries.
Section 5. Product Quality Recognition
The quality of products of these industries must be of internationally comparable quality. In particular, the sizing of footwear should be in accordance with at least the Philippine Sizing Standards, which are updated and attuned to the requirements of all markets.
In all cases, products must be properly labelled, whether sold in the Philippines or abroad. Re-labelling of products without the prior written consent or authorization of the producer, or designer or manufacturer shall be deemed in violation of this Act and other applicable laws.
Section 6. Access to Official Development Assistance Funds
Official development assistance channeled through government financial institutions such as the Land Bank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines shall be made available to duly registered enterprises in the industry at cost, with SMEs duly accorded preferential treatment.
Section 7. Eligibility of Government Assistance
To qualify for assistance, technical support, counseling and other incentives envisioned in this Act, enterprises belonging to these industries must be duly registered with appropriate government agencies as presently provided by law.
Section 8. Ensuring Supply of Raw Materials
The supply of domestically sourced raw materials shall always be ensured by automatically providing for a quantitative export ban or tax, whichever is appropriate, so that the needs of these industries are prioritized.
Section 9. Product Development
The Cottage Industry Technology Center (CITC) shall be responsible for product development training and support for appropriate technology and capital equipment acquisition geared towards global competition and the export market. In coordination with its host local government unit, the CITC shall develop initiatives and programs for the said industries.
Section 10. Penalties
Without prejudice to any civil action for damages that may be instituted by any private offended party, any person who shall violate the provisions of this Act or its implemeting rules and regulations shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fine of not less that Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000) or imprisonment of not less than one (1) year but not more than six (6) years, or both, at the discretion of the Court.
Section 11. Implementing Agency
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) shall monitor, oversee and supervise the implementation of this Act, and shall submit a yearly report thereof to the President and to Congress.
Section 12. Implementing Rules and Regulations
Within sixty (60) days from the approval of this Act, the Secretary of Trade and Industry shall, upon consultation with the appropriate agencies and entities, promulgate the rules and regulations implementing the provisions of this Act.
Section 13. Separability Clause
If any provision or part of this Act is declared unconstitutional, the remaining provisions thereof not otherwise affected shall remain in full force and effect.
Section 14. Repealing Clause
All laws, decrees and executive orders inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
Section 15. Effectivity
This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least one (1) newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,
FRANKLIN DRILON
President of the Senate
JOSE DE VENECIA JR.
Speaker of the House of Representatives
For information and research only, and not legal advice. This text may not reflect later amendments. For certified copies, refer to the Official Gazette or the issuing agency.