| RP won't be dumping ground of Japanese toxic wastes -- PGMA |
| TOKYO, Japan – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo assured today that
her administration would not allow the Philippines to be the dumping site of toxic and
other hazardous wastes from Japan under the proposed Japan-Philippines Economic
Partnership Agreement (JPEPA).
"Definitely, we will not be the dumping site of toxic wastes (from Japan)," the President told Hisatsugu Nagao of the International News Department of Nikkei Shimbun who interviewed her at the presidential suite at the 16th floor of Imperial Hotel here this morning. Later, in a separate interview by Masao Kotani of the World Business Satellite of Tokyo TV 12, the President reiterated her government’s position on the hazardous waste disposal issue. Fears by Filipino environmentalists and lawmakers that JPEPA would open the floodgates to the Philippines becoming a dumping site of Japan’s industrial wastes have overshadowed the benefits that the Philippines stands to derive from the agreement. The ratification of the JPEPA has been pending in the Senate since Congress went on a recess last February in preparation for the May 14 midterm elections.. Under the JPEPA, the Philippines would gain greater access not only to the Japanese agricultural and other markets but also Tokyo’s financial services. Japan would also allow the entry of a greater number of Filipino professionals, including doctors, nurses and caregivers. "We have to address certain issues. But to start with, Japan is our valued partner. The JPEPA is a milestone in our relationship. And it is very important that we have to explain very carefully what the advantages of the agreement to our Filipino farmers, fishermen, food processors and our nurses and caregivers," the President said. The government would not close the door on the controversy, saying "it is also very important to address the issue about the possibility of toxic wastes from Japan being dumped in the Philippines." The Chief Executive said that upon her return to the Philippines at the end of her four-day visit here on Friday, she would immediately hold discussions with the senators on the various ramifications of JPEPA and the importance of the agreement to the Philippines. "I believe that when the issues are clarified, no reasonable senator will oppose the ratification" of the proposed agreement. She said that she had asked Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, chairperson of the Senate foreign relations committee, to accompany her in her Japan trip so the senator could explain to her fellow lawmakers the various aspects of JPEPA. In a statement, Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesman Ignacio R. Bunye said the President is confident that senators would support ratification of the JPEPA after she explain to them the full range of immediate and long-term benefits the country would derive from the agreement. "We live in a lively democracy. Opposition is part of democracy and is expected in the Senate ratification process," Bunye said. But he added that the administration is confident that the "Senate will listen to all and weigh the issues" involved in the proposed accord. |
| President to enlist Japan's backing of RP's bid on economic integration |
| TOKYO, Japan - President Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo said today that she will ask the Japanese government's support for the
Philippines' bid for integration with the world's emerging and developing economies. Interviewed by Nikkei Shimbun, the President said she will raise the Philippines' bid in her bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe this afternoon. The President pointed out that the Philippines, buoyed by a strong currency and a bullish economy, would be ready to integrate with the big global economies by 2015, or five years ahead of earlier government projections. Japan, the biggest economy in Asia, and number two in the world, has expressed its readiness to assist the Philippines' drive for economic integration, as well as the promotion of peace and stability in the region. "It's very important to establish alliances in order for us to move forward in the global trade through economic integration," the President said. She said Japan plays a major role in the quest for lasting peace and stability in southern Philippines, particularly in Mindanao. "And we welcome their aid, their assistance and their participation in the monitoring of the peace process in Mindanao," she added. Japan is an active member of the International Monitoring Team (IMT), which promotes economic assistance in the former areas of conflict in Mindanao. The other IMT monitors are Malaysia, Libya, Brunei, the United States and the European Union. "We believe that trade is the catalyst of progress. We feel that with the Philippines' achievement in the field of politics and economic aspect, we are now ready to integrate our economy in 2015, rather than in 2020," the President said. |
| PGMA urges Japan's business leaders to see for themselves investment possibilities in RP |
| TOKYO, Japan – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo urged today Japanese
business leaders to visit the Philippines and see for themselves the investment
possibilities the country has to offer.
"We are a good business environment getting even better," the President told Japanese businessmen at the Philippine Business Seminar at Tokyo’s Kaikan Hotel this afternoon. With its bullish stock market, strong currency and economy breaking new grounds, the Philippines has emerged as a new favorite investment destination. "And so we urge you, participants in this business seminar and leaders of the Japanese business community to come to the Philippines and explore all that the country has to offer you and your business," she said. The President said the Philippines is now a competitive location for all companies planning to establish or expand their operations in the Asia-Pacific region. A major attribute of the Philippines as an attractive investment area is its strategic location in a fast growing region, coupled with its well-educated, productive and English-speaking workforce, she added. |