Philippines Risks Losing Out to Neighbours Sans TPP Mantle

This article from the Philippine Daily Inquirer is explicit in illustrating a national sentiment towards the TPP that other non-signatories like Cambodia and Indonesia share. In this piece, Amy Remo argues that the Philippines should enter into the TPP because of the potential economic and political losses it may bear. For the Philippines and other non-signatories, there seems to be a fear of falling behind and being excluded. The main motive for joining the TPP then is framed as a loss.

Reno quotes former Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Cuisia Jr. stating, "My position is if we’re not going to be part of TPP, we will fall behind our neighbours like Vietnam and Malaysia. Our markets will go to them especially for apparel, garments, and shoes." In addition, the author uses "hope" a few times to describe the attitude of Cuisia and the nation in general.

This attitude towards the TPP is shared in other countries that have not signed the agreement, including Cambodia (http://www.phnompenhpost.com/business/cambodia-urged-join-tpp) and Indonesia (http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/09/07/indonesia-could-lose-us20b...).

http://www.asianews.network/content/philippines-risks-losing-out-neighbo...