Militants press Senate to reject Jpepa - report
GMA News | 07/29/2008
Militants press Senate to reject Jpepa - report
Johanna Camille Sisante, GMANews.TV
MANILA, Philippines — About 150 activists trooped to the Senate on Tuesday, calling on senators to reject the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (Jpepa), a radio report said.
A report from radio dzXL said Senate security were surprised by the arrival of members of the militant groups Akbayan and Bayan Muna, who demanded the immediate dismissal of the controversial agreement.
A television report, however, said the rallyists were members of the Kapisanan ng Pambansang Demokrasya (KPD).
The radio report said the rallyists tried to forcibly enter the Senate compound but were blocked by units from the Philippine National Police Special Action Force.
The militants settled at the vacant lot near the compound where they shouted their appeals.
On July 17, the Supreme Court junked a petition filed by lawmakers and militant groups in December 2005 asking for a full disclosure of the processes behind the Jpepa, citing privileged communication.
Senator Rodolfo Biazon had expressed disagreement with the ruling, saying treaties and agreements are a shared responsibility by the Executive and the Legislature.
"How can public debate be proper if Executive Privilege will be invoked denying the public of certain information which is necessary for public acceptance through the Senate of the proposed treaty or agreement. There can be no public debate if information is withheld from the public," Biazon said then.
Jpepa’s ratification, which seeks to remove barriers in the flow of goods, persons, services and capital between Manila and Tokyo, is pending in the Senate after President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo endorsed it on Sept. 11, 2006.
The Japanese Diet has already ratified the agreement.
