A320 Captain reports a ground conflict with an EMB170 on Taxiway J at PHL after being cleared by Ramp Control to Spot 11 via J. Reporter suggests that Ramp Control is not properly controlling aircraft on Taxiway J.

Narrative

Flight contacted Ramp for taxi after pushback. Flight was cleared left turn on J to Spot 11. Flight followed an EMB170 out of the alley. At the top of the alley; another EMB170 approached from the right on J. It appeared that they were not going to stop; so I emergency stopped the aircraft. The EMB170 turned right on K3. We queried Ramp as to our clearance and they confirmed: left turn J to Spot 11. We asked about the aircraft on our right; Ramp said something about 'You guys have your own agenda'; as if to imply that we taxi at different rates and it is not his problem. He took no responsibility for aircraft separation. I said 'We are trying to prevent a collision.' We were on our own; at that point; so I waited until the coast was clear then turned onto J and went to Spot 11. We were distracted and incredulous at this blatantly political response to our request for traffic separation on Taxiway J; one of the busiest in the system. Ramp Control is controlling Taxiway J and not providing instructions to aircraft on who is supposed to follow who when there is an incursion/near miss. Taxiway J should be under control of ATC Ground Control; or Ramp should provide positive control to ensure adequate separation between aircraft. Safety culture is flawed; and we need upper management to set the tone that this type of behavior is unacceptable.