1. PRELIMINARY CONFERENCE 16 OCTOBER 2014, 9:00 A.M. FORMAL INVESTIGATION ON THE PETITION FOR THE IMPOSITION OF SAFEGUARD MEASURE AGAINST IMPORTS OF NEWSPRINT FROM VARIOUS COUNTRIES (SG Investigation No. 02-2014) 1

2. THE PETITION Petitioner The Philippine Newsprint Industry, represented by Trust International Paper Corporation (TIPCO) Nature of the Petition The petitioner alleged that newsprint is being imported in increased quantities and that as a result thereof, causes serious injury to the domestic industry Subject Article Newsprint (2012 AHTN Codes 4801.00.10 and 4801.00.90) PRELIMINARY CONFERENCE 16 OCTOBER 2014, 9:00 A.M. 2

3. PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION Acceptance of Application On 16 September 2013, DTI accepted the application that would warrant the initiation of preliminary investigation. Positive Preliminary Determination On 20 September 2013, the DTI initiated a preliminary investigation and found that increased imports of newsprint is the probable cause of serious injury to the domestic industry Non-Imposition of Provisional Measures DTI was not able to establish the existence of critical circumstances which would warrant the imposition of a provisional safeguard measure (DTI Order dated 17 June 2014) PRELIMINARY CONFERENCE 16 OCTOBER 2014, 9:00 A.M. 3

4. FORMAL INVESTIGATION  Upon receipt of the petition and complete records of the case on 02 October 2014, Tariff Commission commenced the formal investigation  Notice of Formal Investigation was published on 10 October 2014 in two (2) newspapers of general circulation, The Manila Times and Manila Standard Today  The Commission is given one hundred twenty (120) days from receipt of the endorsement from DTI to complete and submit its report of findings and recommendation to the Secretary PRELIMINARY CONFERENCE 16 OCTOBER 2014, 9:00 A.M. 4

5. PURPOSE OF THE PRELIMINARY CONFERENCE The schedule and procedures of the public consultation; The nature of the administrative and fact-finding proceedings; The non-applicability of the technical rules of procedures provided by the rules of court; The non-availability of confidential information/ treatment of confidential information; The procedure and timeframe of the investigation; The submission of parties’ evidence; position papers; adjustment plan of the domestic industry; comments and additional information required by the Commission; and Other related matters necessary for the speedy disposition of the instant case, including the appearance of counsels and their alternates. PRELIMINARY CONFERENCE 16 OCTOBER 2014, 9:00 A.M. 5

6. 6 A TC Order on Agreements Reached during the Preliminary Conference (including schedule of activities) will be issued on 20 October 2014 and will be posted on the TC website. For more information on the Rules and Regulations governing the Conduct of Investigation by the Tariff Commission under R.A. 8800, please see http://www.tariffcommission.gov.ph/comorder.html