Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 55)
Republic Act (RA) No. 7227, known as the Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992, provides the declared policy of converting former US military bases into alternative productive uses.
The Clark Special Economic Zone was converted into an airport-led metropolis to complement the economic development of the Subic Freeport, enhance the economic growth of Central Luzon, and eventually make the entire Philippines globally competitive.
The sub-port of Clark Special Economic Zone is closed and abolished and is removed from the jurisdiction of Collection District No. II-A (Port of Manila). In its place, a new Principal Port of Entry called the Port of Clark International Airport is opened and created.
The Commissioner of Customs, subject to the approval of the Secretary of Finance, has the authority to redefine the jurisdictional boundaries of the Port of Manila and delineate the jurisdictional limits of the new Principal Port of Entry.
The new Customs Collection District is designated as Collection District No. XIV and is officially known as the Port of Clark International Airport.
The Bureau of Customs and Clark Development Corporation must enter into a Memorandum of Agreement within thirty (30) days from the effectivity of the order to define their working relationships and treatment of all cargoes and passengers entering or leaving the Clark Special Economic Zone.
The Port of Clark International Airport shall be headed by a Collector of Customs VI, assisted by Deputy Collectors of Customs designated by the Commissioner of Customs.
The Commissioner of Customs, subject to the approval of the Secretary of Finance, is authorized to determine the personnel requirements for the Port of Clark International Airport, and may issue orders for transfer or movement of personnel following applicable Civil Service rules.
Funds for the initial operations shall be drawn from the available funds of the Bureau of Customs, with subsequent appropriations included in its budget proposals according to existing laws and procedures.
The Executive Order took effect fifteen (15) days following its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.