Atin Ito First Filipino Community Newspaper in Ontario
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If Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri would have his way, he would let Japan take over the major infrastructure projects in the Philippines that were supposed to be funded by China.
The Senate chief made these remarks ahead of the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s visit to the Philippines, where he will address Congress during a joint session.
Asked what he wanted to hear during Kishida’s speech, Zubiri answered, “[A] push for RAA or Reciprocal Access Agreement with the Philippines to allow both our troops train in Japan and the Philippines for better cooperation and interoperability.”
“And hopefully add possible loans to take over the failed projects of the Chinese government. Lets let Japan handle these projects,” he further said.
Last week, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said it was ditching China as a partner for its three big-ticket projects as the Chinese government appears to have lost interest in financing them.
These projects are the Mindanao Railway, the Subic-Clark Railway, and the Bicol Express line–also known as the South Long Haul project.
On Saturday, Nov. 4, Kishida will deliver a speech at the House of Representatives in Quezon City during a joint session of the House members and senators.
The Japanese leader will arrive in the country on Nov. 3. — Ellson Quismorio
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Credit belongs to: www.mb.com.ph
