MALACAÑANG
MANILA

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1258

REDUCING UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS AND FOR A LIMITED PERIOD CUSTOMS DUTIES DUE ON IMPORTATIONS OF CERTAIN HOSPITAL/MEDICAL EQUIPMENT, MACHINERY, IMPLEMENTS AND SUPPLIES

WHEREAS, the promotion, protection and preservation of the health of the citizenry is the concern of government as ordained in the Constitution;

WHEREAS, hospitals, medical centers and other similar entities play a vital role in maintaining a healthy citizenry so much so that their continued operation should not be hampered by reason of the rise in costs of acquisition of necessary equipment and implements;

WHEREAS, there is a need to provide a government assistance to these entities to ensure that their services to the masses, especially to the poorer segment of the citizenry, shall be accorded at least cost and optimum efficacy;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution, do hereby decree and order:

SECTION 1. The provisions of Republic Act No. 1937, as amended, to the contrary notwithstanding, importations by hospitals which are now engaged or shall engage in the treatment and care of the sick of hospital/medical equipment, machinery, implements and supplies as hereinafter enumerated and described shall be subject to customs duties of ten per centum (10%) ad valorem to wit: