WHEREAS, there is a need to increase the lien applied to imported molasses in order to make domestically produced molasses competitive likewise, there is a need to revise said lien pursuant to Executive Order No. 159, dated 23 February 1994 to cover at least the full cost of services rendered in the issuance of clearance fee for imported molasses;

NOW, THEREFORE, under and by virtue of the authority vested in the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), it is hereby ordered that:

SECTION 1. Section 2 of Molasses Order No. 1, Series of 1996-1997, is hereby amended to read as follows:

œSECTION 2.     The importer/consignee of the imported molasses covered by this Order shall apply for clearance from the SRA prior to the release of the commodity by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) by submitting to the SRA a letter-request for clearance, stating therein the country of origin and the purpose of the importation and attaching to the application all pertinent documents of importation and by paying the lien of P 200.00 per Metric tons (M.T.) directly to the SRA. 

SECTION 2. This Molasses Order shall take effect 15 days after publication but not later than the start of Crop Year 1998-1999 which is 01 September 1998.

SECTION 3. Other provisions of Molasses Order No. 1, Series of 1996-1997 shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 4. Provisions of Sugar/Molasses Orders, Circular Letters, rules and regulations inconsistent with or contrary to this Molasses Order are hereby revoked, amended or modified accordingly.

Adopted: 11 Aug. 1998

(SGD.) NICOLAS A. ALONSO
Administrator