Dear Readers,

This issue, Focus provides several articles on trade and related negotiations. We find this particularly relevant in light of ongoing discussions, and the possible forthcoming ratification, of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA), which is poised to become the Philippines’ first Bilateral Trade Agreement.

Also, we introduce a special section called FOP FORUM. For this first FOP virtual exchange, we gathered articles from respected analysts and activists from various fields and organizations in order to continue discussions on Mindanao.

The two themes, trade and Mindanao, underscore a critical mandate of government, particularly in terms of carrying out key, far-reaching negotiations in behalf of the Filipino people. This month’s FOP puts forward provocative points and analysis with respect to the practices, processes and possible implications of such negotiations. We hope the issue would capture the interest and imagination of activists, academics and more importantly, Filipinos at large. 

We urge everyone to read on and send us feedback at

Perspective
The Road to JPEPA: How the Philippine government negotiated the controversial trade deal with Japan
by Joseph Purugganan

Socio-Economic Monitor
Philippine Trade
by Jenina Joy Chavez

Development Brief
How DOHA Died: A Ringsider's View
by Walden Bello

Political Round Up
Mitigating FTAs
EU-ASEAN FTA Campaign Network-Philippines

Feedback
Mon Casiple
Executive Director
Institute of Political and Electoral Reform (IPER).

Julkipli Wadi
Islamic Studies Associate Professor, University of the Philippines

Forum: Mindanao In-Focus
Editor's Notes

Towards a memorandum for self-determination
by Herbert Docena

On the botched MOA-AD: Lessons never learned
by Rufa Cagoco-Guiam

The MOA is dead! Long live the MOA!
Soliman Santos, Jr

What Muslim Mindanao Really Means to Arroyo
Nathan Quimpo

What now and Where to?
Octa Dinampo
 
JPEPA Photo from Magkaisa Junk JPEPA
DOHA Protest Photo by Joseph Purugganan