THE Philippines is seeking to join the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) organized by the US, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

In a statement on Tuesday, the DTI said Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez led a Philippine trade delegation to Washington, DC in bilateral talks with US Trade Representative Katherine Tai.

Mr. Lopez expressed the Philippines’ interest in joining the initiative during the meeting.

The DTI described the IPEF as a “vehicle” for improved US economic engagement in the Indo-Pacific region, focused on trade facilitation setting, standards for the digital economy and technology, making the supply chain more resilient, pursuing initiatives in decarbonization and clean energy, infrastructure, and labor standards.  

According to the DTI, the Philippines is interested in elements of the IPEF that have to do with micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) promotion and development, the digital economy, supply chain resiliency, the environment, sustainability, and infrastructure investment.

Ms. Tai said during the meeting that the Philippines is welcome to join IPEF.

Meanwhile, Mr. Lopez also said the Philippines is interested in participating in the Alaskan seafood trade.

“The Philippines would be a good choice for processing… seafood from Alaska for re-export. The Philippines has extensive experience and a competitive edge in terms of processing and toll packing, as exemplified by our engagement with the European Union (EU). This may assist in boosting agricultural trade between the US and the Philippines,” Mr. Lopez said.  

The DTI said the two countries are further discussing Philippine plans to export pineapples to the US, with Mr. Lopez also noting the increased activity in the Philippines of US data center developers that cater to hyperscalers.  

“These also lead to more renewable energy capacity since renewable energy is the required source of energy for these facilities. These efforts are underway and will support building stronger trade and investment ties with the US,” Mr. Lopez said.

In 2021, the US was the Philippines’ third largest trading partner, top export market, and fifth largest import supplier, according to the DTI. Bilateral trade with the US was $19.6 billion, with the Philippines enjoying a modest trade surplus. The US was also the Philippines’ fifth largest investor that year with approved investments worth $77.64 million. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave 

THE PHILIPPINES stands to benefit from the intellectual property (IP) provisions of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Trade Assistant Secretary Allan B. Gepty said at a recent webinar organized by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Japan Center that the RCEP’s IP protections will help create a business environment that fosters competition and innovation.

“On the aspect of business, some of the benefits of a robust IP regime in the RCEP region, (include) streamlined procedures for IP applications, a level playing field in IP protection and enforcement, and a standard protection of the interests of inventors, authors and performers, particularly on digital platforms,” Mr. Gepty said.

Mr. Gepty added that a solid IP regime encourages inventiveness and creativity while balancing the rights of IP owners and the public interest.

“We have to know, if not master, the utilization of our intellectual capabilities. The IP System is a great equalizer that can facilitate the generation of value from our creativity, inventiveness, and innovativeness. Let us therefore promote, protect, and respect intellectual property,” Mr. Gepty said.  

RCEP is a trade agreement involving Australia, China, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand and the 10 members of the ASEAN. It started taking effect in many member countries on Jan. 1.  

The Philippines has yet to sign on to RCEP after the Senate failed to ratify it before adjourning on Feb. 3 for the election break. President Rodrigo R. Duterte signed the trade agreement on Sept. 2.  — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

THE Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) said it entered into a partnership to monitor piracy with the Motion Picture Association (MPA), the US trade group for the movie industry. 

The IPOPHL said in a statement on Tuesday that the MPA committed to support the creation of a piracy monitoring system and a rolling site-blocking regime that will disrupt accessibility to piracy sites.

It said the memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed on April 12 to finalize the partnership.

“This newest partnership with MPA elevates IPOPHL’s whole-of-society efforts in fostering a digital environment that respects intellectual property (IP) rights,” IPOPHL Director General Rowel S. Barba said.

Mr. Barba said the pandemic worsened digital privacy, leading to billions in lost revenue for legitimate content providers.

According to IPOPHL, the MOU allows for information-sharing to reduce digital piracy in the Philippines.

“The MPA also commits to conduct training on various piracy prevention measures. The group will also provide reasonable assistance to help IPOPHL and other relevant agencies effectively implement rolling site blocking and take down,” IPOPHL said.  

Jan van Voorn, MPA executive vice-president of global content protection, said piracy remained rampant in the Philippines, with a negative impact on job creation and the overall economy.

“A site blocking framework, which incorporates transparency and due process, can be incredibly effective at reducing levels of online piracy in key markets like the Philippines,” Mr. Van Voorn said.  — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

THE ANTI-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) said a new complaints management system (CSM) known as e-ARTA will help clear the case backlog for persons reporting delayed government transactions.

ARTA Director General Jeremiah B. Belgica said at a briefing Tuesday that the CMS will reduce the number of complaints that are not addressed.

“Through this system, (the backlogs) will be reduced since the government agencies will immediately act on the complaints and applications. They would be called upon not only by the public, but also by ARTA. Their answers to ARTA could be almost real-time. When the concern enters the system, they will be able to answer via online. There will also be an opportunity for them to revisit their systems and processes that actually could be causing the delays,” he added.

The e-ARTA CMS was officially launched Tuesday. It features a fully automated referral system which will be piloted between April 19 and May 19, according to ARTA Memorandum Circular No. 2022-03, Series of 2022.

The pilot project will involve the committees on anti-red tape (CART) of the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Social Security System, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Food and Drug Administration, Department of Agrarian Reform, Land Transportation Franchise and Regulatory Board, Land Registration Authority, Bureau of Customs, Home Development Mutual Fund, Department of Public Works and Highways, and local government units in the National Capital Region. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave