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Saturday, November 18, 2006
Arroyo submits RP-Japan pact to Senate
MANILA -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Friday transmitted to the Senate the controversial Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (Jpepa) for ratification.
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Arroyo and former Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi signed the pact on the sidelights of the Asia-Europe Meeting (Asem) in Helsinki, Finland on September 9, 2006.
Arroyo, in a letter to the Senate, recommended the ratification of the four-inch-thick document, with the concurrence of the trade, planning, labor, budget and justice departments and the Bureau of Customs, Intellectual Property Office, and the Tariff Commission.
In her transmittal letter, the President said under the pact, both countries would eliminate tariffs on almost all industrial goods within 10 years from the date the Jpepa takes effect.
"The Jpepa envisages that almost 95 percent of Philippine exports to Japan will face zero duties beginning day one resulting in immediate positive impact on farmers, fishermen, and food processors and bringing immediate and long-term benefits for industries," she said.
She said the pact enhances Philippine service providers' access to the Japanese market and "guarantees non-discriminatory treatment, with limited exceptions."
Arroyo said it also establishes a formal arrangement for the acceptance of Philippine nurses and caregivers into Japan.
She said the agreement would become effective 30 days after the governments of both parties exchange diplomatic notes informing each other that their respective legal procedures for the entry into force of the agreement have been completed.
The Senate earlier vowed to scrutinize the agreement amid accusations that it will allow Japan to dump toxic wastes into the country. (JMR/Sunnex)For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Zamboanga. (November 18, 2006 issue)
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