“(T)he main and most vociferous objection to the JPEPA was the claim (unsubstantiated, as it turns out) that the Philippines would end up as a dumping ground for Japanese toxic wastes.”
by Ducky Paredes
The situation has changed dramatically. In the beginning, it seemed to be in our advantage to nitpick on the Japan-Philippine Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) and try to get even better terms than our diplomats had negotiated with Japan. Now, however, with the whole world facing an economic crisis, a shortage of resources and higher prices for practically everything, shouldn’t our Senate stop its dilly-dallying on the JPEPA and finally approve it?
For so many months now the Senate has been discussing the merits and demerits of the JPEPA. Those against and those in favor of the treaty have already been heard exhaustively by the members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee headed by Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago. By now, the Santiago committee is ready to submit its final report, recommending Senate concurrence. Ratification of the treaty should be given the highest priority when the Senate resumes its session on April 21.
In the beginning, the main and most vociferous objection to the JPEPA was the claim (unsubstantiated, as it turns out) that the Philippines would end up as a dumping ground for Japanese toxic wastes. Yet, on reading the JPEPA, we find that under Article 27 of Chapter 2 of the treaty, both parties are bound to strictly observe the safety and environmental standards of each country.
The JPEPA even allows us to better police Japan dumping on our shores. There can no longer be a repeat of the earlier incident where Japanese hospital wastes illegally entered the Philippines. That illegal shipment was discovered by our customs examiners and promptly sent back to Japan. Under the JPEPA, Japanese exporters will be punished by their own government for incidents like these.
The Fair Trade Alliance that the Philippines claimed that the JPEPA gave up too much to Japan. This was also proven to be false. JPEPA provides for improved market access for goods originating from the Philippines and exported to Japan and vice versa through eliminated or reduced customs duties. Both countries commit themselves to work for trade facilitation.
Under the treaty, the Philippines will be able to export a broader range of agricultural and industrial products to Japan. The agricultural exports would include vegetables and fruits, as well as fisheries and poultry, thus benefiting our farmers, fishermen and exporters. Workers in small and medium industries producing auto and electronic parts will also benefit, resulting in more employment and additional income for families.
As the world’s second biggest economy, next only to the United States, Japan will be encouraged to make more direct investments in our country. New projects estimated at initially P222 billion will be started through these Japanese investments in the private sector, sprouting allied industries, thus giving employment to thousands of Filipinos.
In addition the usually closed Japanese market for services will be opened to Filipinos. This would open windows of opportunity for Filipino professionals, skilled specialists, nurses and caregivers to work in Japan.
The Japanese government binds itself to train Filipino nurses and caregivers in the Japanese language and to familiarize them with Japanese customs and culture so that they could easily adjust to their occupations in Japan. Japan will provide our nurses and caregivers with free training and allowance for board and lodging for six months as part of the trial process.
As one of the countries giving substantial economic aid to the Philippines, Japan is expected to increase its Official Development Assistance (ODA) loans to the Philippines, which are subject to concessional interests and terms.
Increased exports, additional investments and remittances, as well as employment income and improved productivity brought about by JPEPA are expected to boost our GDP from its present 1.7 percent to 3.3 percent.
The treaty will make the Philippines more competitive with its ASEAN neighbors as a destination for foreign direct investments and tourism. Moreover, countries in the East Asia region will be encouraged to provide more trade and investments to the Philippines because of its improved economy and stronger link with Asia’s biggest economy.
Overall benefits include an additional P54.3 billion or .09 percent in GDP and estimated foreign direct investments of P364 billion. The improved business climate would create multiplier effects entrenching the sustainability of Philippine economic growth that reached an unprecedented 7.3 percent in 2007.
The point has passed where the Senate could still reject the JPEPA. Clearly, after all the cobwebs of distrust have been blown away, JPEPA is a positive step for the Philippines. With the current world economic situation, better relations with the second largest economy in the world will do us more good than harm.
Are our senators capable of seeing beyond local political issues and see what is better for the country in these perilous economic times?
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The Panibagong Paraan 2008 Philippine Development Innovation Marketplace will open on Wednesday, April 9 at 11 AM in the Megatrade Halls of SM Megamall. Admission is free.
Panibagong Paraan is a joint undertaking of the World Bank, the Department of Interior and Local Government – Local Government Academy, AusAID-PACAP, Peace and Equity Foundation, Canadian International Development Agency, the Philippine Center for Population and Development, the British Embassy, Team Energy Foundation, The Asia Foundation, USAID, ADB, CODE-NGO, the League of Corporate Foundations, and the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement.
The main activity of Panibagong Paraan 2008 wlll be to look over project proposals covering a wide range of activities from environmental protection to women’s rights, youth empowerment, livelihood generation, governance and administration. At least 30 winners of the project grant competition will receive up to P1 million each to implement their projects within one year. There will also be an on-the-spot poster-making contest and round-table discussions amongst NGOs and other interested participants.
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hvp 04.04.08)
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