The JPO and the IPOPHL will start a Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) pilot program on March 12, 2012. The PPH pilot program will include PCT applications that have received positive treatment by the JPO.

JPO website:

http://www.jpo.go.jp/torikumi_e/t_torikumi_e/japan_philippine_highway_e.htm

The JPO has now extended the PPH to 20 countries and/or authorities.  The Philippines is the second country in ASEAN that has joined the PPH after Singapore.

Patent Prosecution Highway Portal Site:

http://www.jpo.go.jp/ppph-portal/index.htm