Friday, October 19, 2007
Japan deal ‘bad for LGU autonomy’
IT IS not only Japan’s possible dumping of toxic wastes that is objectionable in the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (Jpepa).
The agreement, presented by the executive branch to the Senate for ratification, also encroaches on local government autonomy, according to a nongovernment group.
The Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services Inc. (Ideals) also believes that the Jpepa will “endanger” Philippine industries on garments, electric appliances and the automobile sector.
With the agreement, Japan will even impose “highly restrictive” requirements on Philippine nurses and caregivers, according to Ideals.
Ideals held a forum on Jpepa last Wednesday in coordination with the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, the University of Cebu, and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.
The group distributed handouts on the provisions of the Jpepa, a document prepared by the Public Services Labor Independent Confederation (PSLINK).
Ideals pointed out that while Philippine laws ensure local autonomy, under the Jpepa, LGUs will have only one year from Jpepa’s effectivity to enact ordinances that do not conform to the Philippine reservations on the agreement.
“The Philippine reservations for future measures do not cover the power of LGUs to enact future legislation or police power measures,” according to Ideals.
Taxation
The proposed agreement would also limit the LGUs’ taxation powers only to the extent of those provided for in the Jpepa.
The group added that the “too stiff” requirements and processes will make Philippine nurses and caregivers “gamble three or four years of their lives in Japan for naught.”
“This would mean wasted investments in time, money and effort on the part of our workers,” the group said, adding that Japan can have access to cheap labor by
recruiting temporary workers who without need to give more compensation or benefits.
As for agricultural and industrial products, the Jpepa would provide for the free entry of Japan’s products that will cost less, and Ideals said this will discourage the growth of the domestic sector.
“Tariffs are forms of protection a nation imposes to protect its domestic products and local industries,” Ideals said. (JPM)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (October 19, 2007 issue)
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