Marcos supports ASEAN's non-retaliatory measures on US tariffs
''We commend Malaysia's leadership in convening this special ASEAN Economic Ministers' Meeting and welcome the consensus to avoid retaliatory measures. This measured and unified approach upholds ASEAN's commitment to dialogue, diplomacy, and a rules-based multilateral trading system,'' Marcos said in his intervention at the ASEAN plenary.
He said that the ''unexpected trade barriers'' could disrupt communities, supply chains, and the bloc's hard-earned progress.
''Yet by working together, strengthening our institutions, and building the resilience and capacities of our people, we can better navigate this increasingly uncertain future and turn challenges into opportunities for shared growth and stability,'' Marcos said.
In his departure speech on Sunday, the Philippine President highlighted the need for a proper response of the regional bloc as regards Washington's new tariff schedule.
The Philippines has already made informal consultations with fellow ASEAN member states as regards the matter, according to Marcos.
Philippine officials already met with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and tackled 'mutually beneficial ways to strengthen the bilateral relations' amid the 17% tariff rate imposed by Washington on Manila.
During the ASEAN Economic Community Council Meeting, its chairman, Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, said the US reciprocal tariff policy has prompted the bloc to collectively understand, adapt to, and strategically engage with the shifts.
''Instead of retaliation, we have chosen dialogue and cooperation with a clear commitment among ASEAN member states to not impose retaliatory measures, emphasizing that open communication is key to a balanced and sustainable relationship,'' Aziz said.
''This prudent stance has already averted escalation and preserved the foundation for engagement between ASEAN, not just with the US, but with other major economies as well,'' he added. —AOL, GMA Integrated News
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