Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's team has begun a high-profile public relations blitz to urge the Senate to ratify a free-trade pact with Japan.
Arroyo's team, which includes Philippine Ambassador to Japan Domingo Siazon, Trade Undersecretary Thomas Aquino and other senior officials from various government departments, has taken to television and radio to promote the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement.
"Gearing up to make JPEPA a reality!" is the team's slogan, stressing the pact is "a partnership on several fronts," from goods to services to investment to movement of people. "The agreement is designed to promote growth," Aquino said.
Already, the team has raised an alarm over the possible "losses" if the accord is not ratified.