The Senate of the Philippine Congress formally approved the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP) on the evening of the 21st, clearing the last domestic obstacle for the Philippines to join the world's largest free trade area. The Philippine Senate formally approved the RCEP approval by 20 votes in favour, one abstention and one against that night. Subsequently, the Philippines will submit its approval to the secretariat of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. RCEP will officially enter into force for the Philippines 60 days after the submission of the approval. Acenio Balisakan, Director of the Philippine National Economic and Development Bureau, said that joining the RCEP would help the Philippines integrate into the global supply chain, expand market access, and promote the sustained growth of the Philippine economy through regional and global trade and increase investment in strategic sectors. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement entered into force on January 1, 2022, and is the largest free trade agreement in the world. (Xinhua News Agency)