FTA

RCEP: Giving Up Sovereignty and Development

September 4, 2017

IBON Foundation Statement for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Stakeholder Consultation Interface with DTI and Key Agencies Manila, September 4, 2017 IBON welcomes this opportunity to interact with the DTI and key agencies on their negotiations for the Philippines on the RCEP. We look forward to hearing from our country’s negotiators. We also continue to […]

Four reasons why RCEP will be detrimental to Filipino farmers

May 16, 2017

​​The fight of Filipino peasants such as the farmworkers of Hacienda Luisita and Lapanday Foods Corporation for land, food, and justice, stands to be further undermined once the Philippine government fully accedes to the China-backed mega Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).   While the controversial Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) was seemingly put […]

RCEP is Undemocratic and Anti-Development

May 11, 2017

IBON Foundation Statement for the Stakeholders’ Meeting of the Trade Negotiating Committee (TNC)18th Round of Negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Manila, May 10, 2017 Our countries should not be prevented from implementing real development policies. After over three decades of globalization we need to reclaim our economic sovereignty, not erode this even […]

Reject moves to further weaken investment regulation at RCEP talks – IBON

May 10, 2017

Research group IBON urged Philippine negotiators to reject proposals that may further restrict the policy options of the country in regulating foreign trade and investment. IBON made the appeal as it joined other cause-oriented groups in a dialogue today with trade officials from the Philippines and other countries that are negotiating the Regional Comprehensive Economic […]

Regions with biggest mining activities among the poorest–IBON

February 23, 2017

Contrary to claims that closing down mining operations will worsen poverty, research group IBON said that large-scale mining activities impact heavily on marginalized sectors and intensify poverty. The group also said that the mining sector’s export-oriented character further deprives communities by taking away potential resources for local development. The Employers’ Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) […]

Aquino warned: Do not let PH fall into TPP pit

February 17, 2016

US intent in sealing controversial deal to open greater opportunities for its corporations Research group IBON once again urges President Aquino who is attending the summit of South East Asian leaders to quit seeking membership in the controversial Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP). The Philippines should opt out of the workshop being offered by the US […]