Senators propose zero-tariffs on PH products during Japan visit
MANILA, Philippines — Senators on Thursday spoke to the leaders of Japan on removing tariffs of Philippine products during a parliamentary visit, in light of the 70th Philippines-Japan Friendship Anniversary.
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian led the Philippine delegation joined by Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito, Sens. Raffy Tulfo, Erwin Tulfo, Lito Lapid and Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan.
In a series of meetings, the senators sat down with Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae, former Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, Senate President Sekiguchi Masakazu, House of Representatives Speaker Mori Eisuke and other lawmakers.
“Nagkaroon tayo ng isang produktibong pakikipagpulong sa ating mga Japan counterparts kung saan naisagawa ang… pagsusulong na gawing zero-tariff ang Philippine-made Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs), fruits, at iba pang agricultural products sa pagpapalakas ng Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (PJEPA),” Tulfo said in a social media post.
(We held a productive meeting with our Japanese counterparts, during which we pushed for zero-tariff treatment for Philippine-made Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs), fruits, and other agricultural products, as part of strengthening the Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (PJEPA).
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This is in addition to the provisions of the PJEPA signed by the two countries in 2008 where tariffs are eliminated or reduced on over 90 percent of goods traded between them.
“This will not only ensure a steady supply to our Asian neighbors but will also strengthen the Philippine manufacturing, agriculture, and export industries, ultimately boosting the country’s economy and generate jobs,” Tulfo said in a separate statement.
More meetings such as the Japan-Asean Inter-Parliamentary Exchange Group, the Japan International Cooperation Agency, and the Japan-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship League, are part of the delegations’ scheduled forums until January 8.
The senators also visited the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Motegi Toshimitsu, where Motegi expressed intent to boost Japan-Philippines relations.
Gatchalian joined Japanese minister in the sentiment, the Foreign Affairs Ministry wrote in a press release.
Furthermore, the senators expressed gratitude to the Sasakawa Peace Foundation for it’s humanitarian aid efforts during calamities in the Philippines. /mr
