Several senators on Wednesday expressed disappointment over the recently announced US-Philippines tariff deal, calling it “lopsided” and “an insult.”
They pointed out the imbalance between the 19 percent tariff imposed on Philippine exports and the zero duty on US goods entering the local market.
Senator Panfilo Lacson called it “the worst insult that ᵃ host can throw at his guest.”
“That 19 percent versus 0 percent tariff is definitely not the most fair deal between decades-old friends or allies like the United States and the Philippines,” he said. “It is time for us to look for other trade partners.”
Senator Imee Marcos expressed skepticism: “I have yet to see the final agreement. However, a mere 1 percent reduction in tariff rates for Philippine goods while having zero tariffs for US goods certainly does not look like a win for the Philippines.”
Senator JV Ejercito was more emphatic: “We are too much on the losing end. This is grossly disadvantageous to the Philippines. Until now they still look down upon us as their little brown brothers.”
Senator Vicente Sotto III, also a former Senate President, had little to add: “I think it was a productive visit. I’ll leave it at that.”
