December 24, 2008
Division of Corporate Finance
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549
U.S.A.
| Re: | Republic of the Philippines |
Registration Statement under Schedule B
File No: 333-155481
Ladies and Gentlemen:
THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, pursuant to Rule 461 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, hereby requests that the effective date of Pre-effective Amendment No. 1 to the above-captioned Registration Statement under Schedule B be accelerated so that it may become effective at 1:00 p.m. on December 24, 2008, or as soon as practicable thereafter.
Please call David Johnson of Allen & Overy at +852 9109 1441 if members of the Staff have any questions about this filing and to notify us that the Registration Statement has been declared effective.
| Very truly yours, |
/s/ Roberto B. Tan |
| Roberto B. Tan |
| National Treasurer |
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