By IRMA ISIP and JED MACAPAGAL
TRADE Secretary Ramon Lopez yesterday expressed hope the Senate would eventually concur with the ratification of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement when it resumes session this year.
Ratification of the country’s participation in the RCEP was considered deferred as the Senate adjourned without resuming deliberations on the agreement last Wednesday, its last session before the elections.
In a statement, Lopez said given the period until the resumption of the session of the Senate, Senators will have ample time to see not only the value and importance of the RCEP agreement but also an opportunity to figure out how to align pending legislative agenda to further support local industries and producers.
Lopez attributed the failure by the Senate to issue its concurrence to the ratification of the deal to the body’s “busy schedule this week and the need to urgently act on other important local bills” and that “some senators need more time to study fully the RCEP.”
“There are just many equally important bills and legislative reforms to be done,” referring to the amendments to the Foreign Investment Act and the Public Service Act.
Lopez did not directly address the opposition of farmers on the deal but reiterated the government has assured them these are well addressed in the agreement.
The Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) meanwhile urged the Senate to hand over to the next Congress, which begins on June 30, to decide on the fate of RCEP as the current set of lawmakers can still take up RCEP when it reconvenes on May 23 and before it adjourns again on June 4.
That period is meant to be spent to fulfill the constitutional task of canvassing the results of the upcoming elections.
“It will be only fair and proper to let the senators of the incoming 19th Congress study and deliberate on a critical matter like RCEP. Hopefully, the next administration — particularly the new leadership in the Department of Agriculture (DA) – will also be more sympathetic and receptive to the concerns of small farmers and the agriculture sector as a whole,” said Raul Montemayor, FFF national manager, in a statement.
FFF clarified it does not oppose the agreement because of fear from competition but only wants proper safety nets in place .
“We just want to make sure t we have the proper resources and tools to compete in the open market. And we need to know if the government will be supportive and not suddenly betray us by unilaterally cutting tariffs and allowing excessive imports – as it is doing now,” Montemayor said.
FFF said the DA, must undertake a “factual evaluation” of the country’s trade performance under previous trade agreements to provide the basis for identifying steps to mitigate threats and constraints as well as devising strategies and programs to capitalize on trade opportunities proffered by trade agreements such as RCEP.
Lopez recognized support to the agriculture sector must be further enhanced not only for them to be competitive in the global market but also in ensuring the country’s food security.
But he said this can be further realized with the bigger budget for the DA.
