Risa votes no, Imee abstains in Senate RCEP vote

The plight of Filipino farmers and the common folk figured in Senator Risa Hontiveros’s explanation of her “no” vote and Senator Imee Marcos’ reason for her abstention when the Senate voted to concur with the ratification of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

At least 20 senators voted for Resolution No. 485 concurring with the ratification of the trade agreement.

Hontiveros expressed concern over what she called an onslaught of tobacco and formula milk advertisements, and the Philippines’ goods trade balance worsening by US$ 264 million a year. She also mentioned losing tariff revenues to the tune of US$58 million a year.

“Panghuli po at pinakamahalaga, at sana ito po ang pinakapakinggan pa rin ng ating mga kasama. I have with me a letter of 131 organizations from various groups around the country. Mga grupo ng magsasaka, mga grupo ng mangingisda, mga trade union, mga health advocates, mga fair trade advocates,” Hontiveros said.

“These represent millions of Filipinos who say that our country is not ready for this deal, that we already obtain the benefits from our other agreements, and that we even stand to lose,” she added.

“The calculations for me are simple, Mr. President. Dapa na po ang ating agrikultura. Hindi pa tayo nakakaahon sa pandemya. This is not the time for RCEP,” Hontiveros said.

Imee raised her concerns over the RCEP, citing the need to prioritize the need of the farmers and ordinary citizens.

“Nais ko lang diiinin na ang aking pangangamba ay dulot ng aking paninindigan hindi bilang kapatid sa kapangyarihan kundi bilang anak ng ng legasiya ng aking ama na laging unahin ang maliliit, ang nagsasaka,” Marcos said.

“Ang lupa at ang lahat ng mga nangangailangan. Pahintulutan niyo akong hindi lumahok sa botohang ito, hindi dahil umiiwas sa katungkulan kundi sa panahong ito bigo pa rin ang nakakarami sa bukid at sa parang,” she added.

Imee didn’t sign the committee report on the RCEP, saying that it would harm the agriculture sector.

“[I] am quantifying gains in electronics and garments versus agri damage from RCEP. Really a lot to gain economically, but it will ravage the countryside and kill our farmers,” Marcos said earlier in February when asked why she did not sign the committee report on RCEP.

Several poultry and agriculture producers earlier asked the government to give a “clear path for development” for their sectors before the ratification of the RCEP. —Richa Noriega/NB, GMA Integrated News

Risa votes no, Imee abstains in Senate RCEP vote
Source: Filipino Viral News PH