Leave Credit Benefits for AFP Civilian Agents

Develop ZAMBOECOZONE as decentralized, self-reliant agro-industrial, commercial, financial, investment, tourism, residential and retirement center
Generate employment and attract productive foreign investments
Operate as separate customs territory ensuring free movement of goods and capital
Provide incentives such as tax and duty-free importations of raw materials, capital and equipment

Clear definitions for terms such as Act, Rules, ZAMBOECOZONE, AUTHORITY, Point of Entry, Enterprise, Residency, Facilities Operator, Board, Domestic and Foreign Articles, Customs Territory, Transshipment, Foreign Exchange, National Government, Foreign National, Offshore Banking Unit (OBU) among others

National and local laws concerning trade, immigration, banking, customs are subordinated or liberally construed in favor of ZAMBOECOZONE
Conflicts between national and local laws resolved in favor of ZAMBOECOZONE
AUTHORITY's decisions prevail over local government on ZAMBOECOZONE matters except defense/security
AUTHORITY exercises administrative powers, rule-making, and fund disbursements independently

ZAMBOECOZONE covers specified areas in Zamboanga City defined by Presidential Proclamations

AUTHORITY is a corporate body managing ZAMBOECOZONE
Board of Directors with 8 members appointed by the President, including ex-officio city officials
Chairman is also Administrator
Powers include managing ZAMBOECOZONE, regulating enterprises, establishing utilities and services, issuing rules, borrowing funds, maintaining security, environmental protection, property management, and promiscuous rule-making

Exercise exclusive jurisdiction over ZAMBOECOZONE
Establish internal security and firefighting; perimeter defense shared with National Government
Exclude articles/activities inimical to public interest
Monitor and enforce registration, permits, audits, inspections, investigations, arrests, fines, and penalties
Regulate ingress, egress, and traffic

AUTHORITY to establish registration office and issue certificates of registration and residency
Applications open to nationals and businesses of any country unless constitutionally limited
Enterprises must be organized either domestically or abroad but must have a local representative
Certificates valid for one year, renewable subject to qualification
Identification cards are required for residents and visitors
Fees may be charged
Withdrawal or cessation leads to automatic cancellation of registration
Certificates may be revoked, suspended or cancelled for violations

Business licensing requires submission of legal documents, proof of location, foreign remittances, restructuring documents, and asset lists
Banks require approval and licensing from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)
Residency certificates required for Filipino residents and certain foreign nationals with proof of residency or investment

Enterprises can freely conduct business, import/export, employ foreign nationals (subject to conditions), comply with laws, and report periodically
Facilities operators may lease, manage properties, provide services, install environmental safeguards, maintain security, charge fees, and set internal rules
Residents may import personal goods duty-free, acquire goods for use within the zone, obey laws, and pay income taxes

Enterprises exempt from all national and local taxes but pay 5% final tax on gross income (split among National Government, City Government, Barangay Fund)
Income from Customs Territory limited to 30% before income tax applies
Importations generally free of duties except prohibited articles
Movement of goods between ZAMBOECOZONE and Customs Territory subjected to customs laws
Procedures for transshipment and tax credit detailed
Customs officials empowered to search and seize articles

Philippine immigration laws apply to persons entering directly from abroad
AUTHORITY and Bureau of Immigration coordinate on enforcement
Special provisions allow limited visa-free entry for targeted foreign nationals for tourism/business
AUTHORITY authorized to issue work, temporary residence, and permanent residency visas following specified conditions
Spouses and dependents covered
Reporting requirements to Bureau of Immigration

Enterprises and residents free to maintain foreign exchange and local currency accounts
Freedom to conduct foreign exchange business including buying, selling, and usage
BSP circulars incorporated
Banks must be licensed by BSP
Offshore Banking Units and Foreign Currency Depository Units allowed under regulations
Banks may open branches with registration
Tax exemptions and 5% final tax for registered banks and affiliates

AUTHORITY prioritizes maintaining environmental quality conforming to national laws
Ecology Center established for environmental management and compliance
Philippine environment laws adopted
Permits required for environmental compliance, construction, and operation
Natural resource protection, air and water quality monitoring and enforcement
Solid and hazardous waste management regulated
Water resource planning and conservation areas designated
Emergency and contingency plans mandated

Security Force controls law enforcement and access
AUTHORITY manages traffic regulations and vehicle registration within ZAMBOECOZONE
Labor laws applicable; Labor Center established for enforcement, dispute resolution, training, and employment
Apprenticeship programs and foreign employee regulations outlined
Sanitation and waste systems coordinated with local government; fees and penalties allowed
AUTHORITY may authorize private educational and medical institutions
Building and construction subject to approval and environmental compliance
Registration and obligations for regional/area headquarters companies
Financial markets may be organized and regulated within ZAMBOECOZONE
Disputes should first be amicably resolved, thereafter arbitration or court
Barangay Special Development Fund funded by 1% of 5% final tax
Procedures for fund use and reporting specified