19% vs. 0%? Lawmakers question new PH-US tariff deal
Lawmakers on Wednesday raised concerns on the new Philippines-United States trade deal, which imposes a 19% tariff on Philippine products entering the US against zero tariffs for at least some American exports to the Philippines.
'We ask Malacañang to make public this new trade deal with the US so we can scrutinize its possible impact on the local economy. We are interested to know what US agricultural products, if any, will be covered by zero tariffs and how this may impact on our local farmers,' Senator Francis 'Kiko' Pangilinan said.
The deal was announced by US President Donald Trump during President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s visit to the White House early Wednesday Philippine time.
The new agreement reduces the earlier announced tariff for the Philippines of 20% by one percent. Marcos, who called the deal a "significant achievement," stressed that not all US goods will enjoy zero tariffs.
Other senators said the 19-0 disparity is too huge of a margin to be considered fair.
'19% vs. 0% 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,' Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson said.
'Sobra ata tayong dehado. Akala ko ba 'little brown bro' ang turing sa atin ng mga Amerikano? Bakit tila lagi tayong naiisahan sa mga ganitong usapan? Sana ay gawing patas man lang kung tunay na kakampi ang tingin sa atin,' Senator JV Ejercito said.
(We are too much at a disadvantage. I thought the Americans looked on us as their 'little brown bros'? Why does it seem we are always on the losing end in matters like this? They should at least make it even if they truly see us as an ally.)
Senator Imee Marcos said the deal cannot be considered a win. 'I have yet to see the final agreement. However, a mere 1% reduction in tariff rates for Philippine goods while having zero tariffs for US goods certainly does not look like a win for the Philippines,' she said.
Kabataan party-list Representative Renee Co, a lawyer, also said that flooding the country with American goods will not stir national development.
'The country is already deep in foreign debt, and now, we will be flooded with American goods because our President agreed to it. The government fails to strengthen our local industries because we just allow American goods to capture the lion's share of our market,' Co said.
Senator Vicente "Tito" Sotto III gave the deal a good review.
'It carries direct benefits for our country,' he said. — BM, GMA Integrated News
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