THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has extended the suspension of its policy requiring companies to secure permits and licenses when importing, handling and transporting certain controlled chemicals for 80 more days.
The self-imposed three-month moratorium that should end this February 9 has been extended to April 30 as per approval of PNP chief Director General Ricardo Marquez.
In a memorandum, the PNP said the extension may continue until such time that the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) shall have issued an implementing rules and regulations governing explosives, explosives accessories, explosive ingredients and controlled chemicals.
Republic Act 9516 that amended Presidential Decree 1866 is intended to regulate the illegal or unlawful possession, manufacture, dealing in, acquisition or disposition of firearms, ammunition or explosives, or instruments used in the manufacture of firearms, ammunition or explosives.
The PNP said it decided to extend the suspension of the policy regulating commonly used chemicals following consultative meetings with various stakeholder organizations and other government agencies.
Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis Jr., president of the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (Philexport), welcomes this development, adding that this policy is a huge impediment to higher export growth, contributing to lesser competitiveness especially of micro, small and medium enterprises.
An immediate, positive resolution of this issue will help us achieve our targets and boost our chances to attract investments and generate jobs and livelihood opportunities, he added.
The DILG earlier said the moratorium on regulating commonly used controlled chemicals will mean the PNP will not ask importers, makers, traders and distributors to comply with any license, permit, escorting, and reportorial requirements.
Not covered by the moratorium are nitrates, chlorates and nitric acid.