Philippine Star

Filipino group assails JPEPA

11 October 2008

By Shiela Crisostomo

The Health Alliance for Democracy (HEAD) reiterated today its warning that the ratification of Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) had institutionalized abuses against Filipino health personnel.

HEAD secretary general Dr. Geneve Rivera said the “patently onerous” agreement had “placed health personnel everywhere, even those not seeking work in Japan, at a disadvantage."

"Pro-JPEPA senators have institutionalized the commodification of health workers and professionals in a trade deal,” she noted.

Under JPEPA, the hiring of nurses in caregivers in Japan was bundled with trade concessions sought by the Arroyo administration.