Gatchalian hopeful Marcos-Trump meeting will lead to reconsideration of 20% tariff
At A Glance
- The upcoming meeting between President Marcos and President Trump underscores the enduring strength and strategic alliance between our two countries, according to Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said he hopes that the upcoming meeting between United States President Donald Trump and President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will eventually lead to positive results and a reconsideration of the tariff imposed on the Philippines.
This after the Philippine government viewed with concern the higher-than-expected 20 percent reciprocal tariff on local goods to be imposed by the US starting next month, as announced by the Trump administration on Thursday.
The two leaders are expected to thresh out the issue in a meeting this month.
“I am hopeful that the meeting will lead to a positive reconsideration of the 20% tariff on local goods,” Gatchalian said.
“Naniniwala akong hangad ng dalawang bansa ang mas matibay na ugnayan para sa sabayang kaunlaran (I believe both countries desire stronger ties for mutual development),” he said.
Palace officials have said the President have already sent negotiators to discuss the issue with their counterparts in the US.
Nevertheless, the senator said he is upbeat about the results of the meeting.
“The upcoming meeting between President Marcos and President Trump underscores the enduring strength and strategic alliance between our two countries,” he said.
“The meeting will provide a crucial opportunity to discuss pressing issues, such as defense and security cooperation in light of evolving geopolitical concerns over the West Philippine Sea, and address shared concerns over our economic partnership,” the lawmaker stressed.