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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Lugi!': Senators lament 19% US imposed tariff on Philippine goods

'Lugi!': Senators lament 19% US imposed tariff on Philippine goods

Published Jul 23, 2025 02:32 pm

At A Glance

  • Senators expressed their disappointment on the outcome of the trade talks between US President Donald Trump and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., lamenting it is grossly disadvantageous to the Philippines.
Some senators on Wednesday, July 23 are disappointed over the Philippines’ failure to get a much lower tariff with the United States, following the negotiations between US President Donald Trump and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. meets with United States President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. meets with United States President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, for one, questioned the Trump administration’s treatment on the Philippine government and Filipinos in general.
“Sobra ata tayong dehado. Akala ko ba ‘little brown brothers’ ang turing sa atin ng mga Amerikano (We are at a huge disadvantage. I thought Americans considered us ‘little brown brothers’)?” Ejercito pointed out.
“Bakit tila lagi tayong naiisahan sa mga ganitong usapan? Sana ay gawing patas man lang kung tunay na kakampi ang tingin sa atin (Why do we always seem to be left out in these kinds of discussions? I hope they will at least make it fair if we are truly seen as allies),” he stressed.
“Masyado tayong dehado (We are at a great disadvantage). This is grossly disadvantageous to the Philippines,” Ejercito lamented.
Look for other trade partners
Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson also said he believes the 19 percent vs zero tariffs “is definitely not the most fair deal between decades-old friends or allies like the United States and the Philippines.”
“If I may add, it is the worst insult that a host can throw at his guest. It is time for us to look for other trade partners,” Lacson said.
Sen. Imee Marcos, the President’s sister also expressed her disappointment on the outcome of the negotiations.
“I have yet to see the final agreement. However, a mere 1% reduction in tariff rates for Philippine goods while having zero tariffs for U.S. goods certainly does not look like a win for the Philippines,” Marcos pointed out.
“Kailangan ko munang makita at mabasa ang buong kasunduan, pero kahit sinong tanungin, eksperto o karaniwang tao, 19% na taripa para sa Pilipinas tapos 0% na taripa para sa Amerika — paano tayo nanalo diyan (I need to see and read the entire agreement first, but ask anyone, experts or ordinary people, 19% tariff for the Philippines and then 0% tariff for America — how did we win here)?” she said.

Related Tags

Trump administration TARIFF Marcos administration trade talks
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