LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Another ‘insidious’ contract
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:37:00 05/10/2008
Welcome back to the business of the nation.
Recent headlines here and abroad show the scandalous wanton killing of thresher sharks in Batangas Bay as they make their way to our southern channels. In one fell swoop the Philippines has managed to place an embattled species on the endangered list. Day after day, these carcasses are on display, with their meat selling at prices that range from P150 to P200 a kilo. Among those buying are Japanese.
With the obvious drift of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) toward implementation despite its onerous terms, including the opening up of our sacred waters to Japanese fishing fleets—be they factory ships or otherwise—we now hear of another insidious agreement in the wings, again signed without due process: the ASEAN/Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (AJCEP). Attempts to study this latter agreement have been rebuffed. This agreement would be a way to skirt around JPEPA; and if it reaches the Senate, proponents will seek to justify its ratification with the canned propaganda for sellouts: The Philippines will be left behind if it turns its back on the agreement.
On March 29, 2008, CNN published a report by the United Nations Environmental Program. It stated that, at the rate we are going, there will be no more fish in the waters of the world by 2048. Yet, here we are, on the brink of allowing the Japanese to fish in our sacred waters to satisfy their insatiable need for fish.
In light of all this, what happens to our indigenous supply of food for our own people? In the face of food shortage and the scandals here and there fluttering around the problem, what explanation can there be to justify the ratification of this agreement?
We used to be the leaders in this region. What happened to us? Simple: Our leaders have failed us, and they have shown us that it is acceptable to disregard the laws of this country. So why should fishermen in Batangas province not do the same? Or any of us for that matter?
Is there any justification for allowing our sovereignty to be sold down the river? Is there any justification for feeding the Japanese while depriving our own people? As with the ZTE national broadband network (NBN) deal and the Spratlys agreement, we ask the question: Who benefits from JPEPA? Our country? Our people? Or just a handful? And do these handful look like us?
A line has been drawn on the sand: Which side of that line will you stand on?
SANDRA LACSON-HAMMETT (via email)
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