In a domestic notice of initiation attached to the notification to the WTO, the Philippines indicated, among other things, that interested parties must make their submissions concerning the investigation "within five (5) days from the date of publication of this notice".

The notice indicates that interested parties may send their submissions to the address below:

The Bureau of Import Services (BIS)
Department of Trade and Industry
3rd Floor, Tara Building
#389 Senator Gil Puyat Avenue
Makati City

The WTO notification is available in G/SG/N/6/PHL/12.

What is a safeguard investigation?

A safeguard investigation seeks to determine whether increased imports of a product are causing, or is threatening to cause, serious injury to a domestic industry.

During a safeguard investigation, importers, exporters and other interested parties may present evidence and views and respond to the presentations of other parties.

A WTO member may take a safeguard action (i.e. restrict imports of a product temporarily) only if the increased imports of the product are found to be causing, or threatening to cause, serious injury.