As Senate resumes public hearings
new anti-JPEPA group slams effects on agriculture
Members of No Deal! JPEPA, Movement Against Unequal Economic Agreements, slammed the effects on agriculture of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA).
In its petition posted at www.petitiononline/NoDeal/petition.html, the No Deal! JPEPA states, “Farmers and agricultural workers stand to suffer even more from contract-growing arrangements with transnational agri-business corporations. Land use conversion will also affect domestic food production.”
The group also deems, “ Domestic fisheries sector will have no protection from the entry of Japanese fishing vessels which will be allowed to fish in our waters.”
Arnold Padilla, spokersperson of No Deal!JPEPA, “Only transnational agri-business corporations will benefit from JPEPA. With a backward agriculture lacking in subsidy and deprived of techonolgy, ordinary farmers and farm workers have no capacity to export their produce to Japan.”
Padilla adds, “Moreover, under contract-growing scheme, farmers and farm workers are forced to shoulder the expenses in production and yet, transnational corporations buy their produce at very low prices.”
Padilla also deplored reports ofpesticide poisoning in fruit plantations and nearby communities. “While every banana or pineapple is being taken care of, farm workers are neglected and abused.” The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas recorded cases of poisoning in Lapanday Holdings, Inc.
The No Deal!JPEPA spokesperson also reiterates that Filipino fishersholk are likely to go hungry if Japanese corporations will be given unhampered access to the country's marine resources. A study by fisherfolk group Pamalakaya reveals that a 3,000 single-ton Japanese factory ship, accompanied by support fishing fleets can generate 150 metric tons of tuna on a 24-hour operation basis. #
CONVENORS
Former Vice President Teofisto Guingona
Former Senator Wigberto Tañada
Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran
Rafael Mariano, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas
Nitz Gonzaga, Kilusang Mayo Uno
Fernando Hicap, Pamalakaya
Dr. Carol Pagaduan-Araullo, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan
Jossel Ebesate, R.N., Alliance of Health Workers
Connie Bragas-Regalado, Migrante
Clemente Bautista Jr. Kalikasan People's Network
Rechielda Extremadura, Lila Filipina Arman Albarillo, Bayan-Southern Tagalog
Roy Velez, Bayan-NCR
Ed Cubelo, Toyoto workers union president
Sonny Africa, Ibon Foundation
Arnold Padilla, spokesperson
