Republic of the Philippines

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE RESOLUTION No. 354

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INTRODUCED by Reps. TEDDY A. CASIÑO and NERI JAVIER COLMENARES

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RESOLUTION
DIRECTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY TO SUBMIT TO THE
COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND INDUSTRY WITHIN THIRTY DAYS OF RECEIPT OF THIS
RESOLUTION, ITS DETAILED INVENTORY, EVALUATION OF, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ON EXISTING BILATERAL INVESTMENT AND TRADE AGREEMENTS WITH THE VIEW OF
CRAFTING MEASURES TO PROTECT LOCAL INDUSTRIES AGAINST UNFAIR COMPETITION

WHEREAS, the 1987 Constitution declares that, “the Philippines adopts the generally accepted principles of
international law as part of the law of the land and adheres to the policy of peace, equality, justice, freedom,
cooperation, and amity with all nations” (Section 2); and “the prime duty of the Government is to serve and protect
the people,” (Section 4);

WHEREAS, the Constitution further declares that “the State shall pursue an independent foreign policy. In its
relations with other states, the paramount consideration shall be national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national
interest, and the right to self-determination” (Section 7); shall develop a self-reliant and independent national
economy effectively controlled by Filipinos” (Section 19); and “adopts and implements a policy of full public
disclosure of all its transactions involving public interest” (Section 28);

WHEREAS, the Philippines has entered into bilateral investment and trade agreements (BITs) with various countries
involving many sectors of industry, notably agriculture, manufacturing and services;

WHEREAS, it is the duty of Congress to provide the appropriate and necessary policy environment via legislation to
protect local Filipino industries against the onslaught of unfair competition from transnational corporations which
shall enter the country as a result of these BITs;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Department of Trade and Industry submit to the Committee
on Trade and Industry within thirty days of receipt of this resolution, its detailed inventory, evaluation of, and
recommendations on existing bilateral investment and trade agreements with the view of crafting measures to protect
local industries against unfair competition.

Adopted,

TEDDY A. CASIÑO NERI JAVIER COLMENARES

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