Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Resolution - Hon. Monica Dianne Ramirez
THIRD YOUTH CONGRESS
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
Introduced by Honorable Monica Dianne E. Ramirez
A RESOLUTION
DIRECTING THE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS TO REVIEW, IN AID OF LEGISLATION, THE TERMS STATED IN THE JAPAN-PHILIPPINE ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT (JPEPA)
Whereas, a bilateral treaty entitled “Japan-Philippine Economic Partnership Agreement” (JPEPA) was signed between the Philippines and Japan on 9 September 2006 that seeks to remove barriers to investments and the trade of goods and services between the two countries;
Whereas, the JPEPA constitutes the Philippine component of the Initiative for Japan-ASEAN Comprehensive Economic Partnership, which seeks to strengthen economic integration between Japan and ASEAN;
Whereas, the JPEPA is the first bilateral trade agreement that the Philippines has entered into since the 1946 Parity Rights Agreement with the United States;
Whereas, the terms in the JPEPA were made in haste, as it was signed after only 2 ½ years of negotiations;
Whereas, there was a little effort made by the concerned government agencies in giving the public a full disclosure and consultation regarding the terms stated in the JPEPA;
Whereas, the JPEPA states provisions that, when fully implemented, could bring serious repercussions as it was against existing Philippine laws, as well as the present commitments of the Philippines under international law;
Whereas, the public clamors for a thorough review of the contract so as to avoid placing the Philippines under the bad side of the deal;
Whereas, the Philippine Senate, by a 2/3 vote, can approve or waive the JPEPA after its review, as provided by the contract stating “that it will only come into force and effect on the 30th day after the date on which the Governments of the Parties exchange diplomatic notes informing each other that that their respective legal procedures necessary for entry into force";
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the Committee on Foreign Relations spearhead the review regarding the terms stated in the JPEPA, so as to decide on whether the Philippine government shall adopt or waive the aforementioned contract.
Adopted,Labels: foreign affairs
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