JPEPA FORUM: Sen. Pia “Compañera” Cayetano leads the discussion in the Senate today on the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA). The forum raises a critical perspective on the JPEPA and gives light on the concerns on how it binds the hands of Philippine legislature in passing protective and development measures that favor and support Filipinos. Representatives from various sectors also bring up pertinent issues such as the unhampered access of Japanese commercial fishing industry to the country, the free entry of lower-costing products from Japan, and the welfare of our health workers eager to work as caregivers for Japanese despite the significant differences in culture and language.