Rep. Apacible pushes for China's tax stamp technology

China is interested in providing the Philippines with a laser-based, excise-tax stamp technology. Batangas Rep. Tom Apacible said that the Chinese met with Bureau of Internal Revenue chief Kim Henares to signify that they want to compete with Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corp. or PMFTC in supply the government with a reliable technology. PMFTC has an outstanding offer for government to take its technology in place of that offered by a Lausanne, Switzerland-based security products maker, SICPA. “The Chinese are not turning away from the country. They want to make a Swiss challenge to whatever technology is already on the table of the BIR," said Apacible, a former Customs commissioner. Despite the Aug. 23 hostage tragedy , the Chinese remain interested in the Philippines as an investment destination, according to him. Apacible noted that Huagong Laser Engineering Co. Ltd. produces laser-based technologies, develops computer software, and sells information system integration services for the global market. Apart from electronics and laser engineering, Huagong is also into venture capital, chemicals, information technology, pharmaceuticals, and even machineries, Apacible added. “I hope the government will consider the Chinese offer. The proposal is now with the National Economic Development Authority," he said. The Chinese technology is superior and should cost less than the SICPA system estimated at about 10 centavos per stamp, he added. —JE/VS, GMANews.TV