16-4 Senate vote ratifies JPEPA before break

Thursday, 09 October 2008

The Senate late Wednesday night ratified the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement by a vote of 16-4. Those who voted Yes included Edgardo Angara, Rodolfo Biazon, Alan Peter Cayetano, sponsor Miriam Santiago, pro tempore Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada, Juan Ponce Enrile, Gregorio Honasan, Panfilo Lacson, Loren Legarda, minority leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr., Ramon Revilla Jr, Manuel Roxas II, Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senate president Manuel Villar Jr, and Manuel Lapid. Those who opposed the ratification were Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr, and opposition Sens. Ana Consuelo Madrigal, Francis Escudero, and Benigno Aquino III. There was no abstention. Under Jpepa, 95% of Philippine exports to Japan will face zero duties. Ten years from its effectivity, tariffs will be removed on almost all industrial goods. "In one short sentence, my word is my bond," Lacson said in explaining his "Yes" vote. Pangilinan said he voted "yes" with "serious reservation. " On the other hand, Lapid drew laughter from the crowd when he gave the thumbs-up sign when asked for his vote. Last month, Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, chair of the foreign relations committee, released to the senators copies of the exchange of notes between the Foreign Affairs chiefs of Japan and the Philippines to guide them in ratifying the controversial treaty. She said that in international law, "an exchange of notes constitutes a treaty, binding on the parties and implying performance in good faith." "This exchange of notes will in effect constitute an integral part of the treaty," she said. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed the Jpepa with then Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on September 2006 in Helsinki during the European leg of her four-nation trip.  Source: Gmanews.TV by Amita Legaspi, October 9, 2008

Last Updated ( Thursday, 09 October 2008 )

 

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