PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1609

: The decree authorizes the importation of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) free of customs duties as an emergency measure due to a shortage of LPG in the Philippines.
: Persons or entities duly authorized by the Board of Energy are allowed to import liquefied petroleum gas free from customs duties.
: The duty-free importation is allowed for the duration of the critical period or until local prices have been adjusted.
: The decree was issued in response to a present shortage of liquefied petroleum gas in the country, anticipated to worsen due to inadequate refinery production, scheduled refinery shutdowns, increased demand, price adjustments by OPEC, and difficulties faced by intermediaries in marketing LPG.
: No. Section 1 of the decree states that any provision of law, executive or administrative order, rule or regulation to the contrary notwithstanding, the importation free of customs duties shall be allowed.
: The decree took effect immediately upon its issuance on February 13, 1979.
: It aims to address the shortage of liquefied petroleum gas in the Philippines and to prevent unnecessary hardships and inconveniences to consumers.
: No. The importation is exempt from payment of customs duties as an emergency measure.
: The Board of Energy is the authorized body to grant permission to persons or entities for LPG importation under this decree.