Farmers’ group lauds RCEP concurrence delay

The Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) lauded the Senate for deferring its decision on the Philippines’ participation in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

On Wednesday, the last session of the 18th Congress ended without approving the RCEP scheme which would have made the country a member of one of the world’s largest economic blocs, accounting for about 30 percent of the global economy.

Under the Philippine Constitution, the Senate’s approval is required before the country enters into any international treaty. President Duterte ratified the RCEP accord on Sept. 2, 2021.

The FFF is calling on the incoming administration to review RCEP and address “meaningfully” the concerns raised by the agriculture sector.