Japanese govt congratulates Aquino, makes 'pitch' for JPEPA

Japan joined the international community in sending formal congratulations to President-elect Benigno Simeon “Noynoy" Aquino III for his victory in the May 10 elections, taking the chance to make a soft pitch for the controversial Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA). In a statement, Japanese foreign affairs minister Katsuya Okada vowed to continue support for the Mindanao peace process and JPEPA. “The Government of Japan has been supporting economic and social development of the Philippines and actively involved in the Mindanao peace process. Japan will continue these supports and promote expansion of trade and investment between the two countries through Japan-Philippine Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA)," Okada said in a statement posted on the Japanese Embassy’s website early Thursday. He voiced hopes Aquino will actively address the challenges faced by the Philippines and achieve further stability and development. “Japan hopes that, blessed with the expectations and support of the people of the Philippines expressed through the elections, the new President will actively address the challenges faced by the Philippines and achieve further stability and development," he said. Last May 27, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Makoto Katsura relayed Japan's assurance of continued aid for the peace process and for development in Mindanao. "We promised, we expressed good governance this will impact more positively on our people," Aquino said after his meeting with Katsura. Both also discussed the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in November, as well as other concerns regarding fostering better relations between and among the two countries. The two officials, however, did not discuss the controversial JPEPA. [See: Aquino meets Japan envoy; JPEPA not discussed] Aquino particularly cited Japan’s willingness to continue to help in the peace process, including aid made through the International Monitoring Team that supervises a ceasefire agreement between government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Japan is keen on continuing its Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development (J-BIRD), and with its role in the International Contact Group to boost the peace process with the MILF, he said. Moreover, he sought Katsura’s help in relaying to Japanese business groups his prospective government’s anti-corruption measures, he said. “At the end of the day we promised we asked for specifics how the relationships can be improved and promised to work on them," Aquino said. "Most complaints are legitimate that should not have been existing to begin with. Among them are lack of infrastructure, changing policies and red tape so enormous that is a hindrance to them achieving their aims and also a disservice to our country in that maximizing benefits does not happen." On the other hand, US President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron congratulated Aquino hours after he was proclaimed the 15th president of the Philippine Republic last Wednesday. [See: US President Barack Obama congratulates Aquino, Binay] Catholic Church's support Besides receiving pledges of support from various groups, Aquino also got on Wednesday night assurances of prayers and support from the Catholic Church in his efforts to fulfill his promise of change. Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president Bishop Nereo Odchimar said the church will rally behind Aquino for the good the country. “We will pray for him as a president. We will work together… wish him well and cooperate with his ideals that we could be in assistance not necessarily compromising our beliefs and our convictions particularly in matters of faith and morals," Odchimar said in an article on the CBCP news site. “The people have spoken so as the good citizens of the Philippines we are wishing them well and we have to rally behind them and pray for them for their success and for the bright future of our country," he added. For his part, former CBCP president and Jaro (Iloilo) Archbishop Angel Lagdameo said he wants Aquino particularly to eradicate rampant corruption in government. Lagdameo also said that while Aquino's tandem with Vice President-elect Jejomar Binay is unexpected, the Church still congratulates them. “We hope that they will be true and faithful to their election promises, especially in fighting corruption in government and alleviating poverty," Lagdameo said. - LBG, RJAB Jr., GMANews.TV