Several Philippine senators have voiced growing concern over the recently concluded trade agreement between the Philippines and the United States, citing its potentially damaging impact on the country’s agriculture sector and the apparent lack of reciprocity in tariff terms.
In an Inquirer.net report, former Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri criticized the deal for being “highly unbalanced,” pointing out that the US secured zero tariffs on its exports to the Philippines, while Filipino goods entering the American market will still face a 19 percent duty.
“Reports state that the Philippines will impose zero tariffs on goods imported from the US, while our exports to their market will face a 19 percent tariff. That seems highly unbalanced,” Zubiri stressed. He drew comparisons to Japan’s trade pact with the US, which features a more mutual 15 percent tariff rate, and emphasized that “if the US truly sees us as a treaty ally, we should be accorded the same level of mutual respect in trade policy.”
Zubiri also flagged the risks of a potential influx of cheap US agricultural imports like meat, poultry, and corn, warning that this could seriously endanger local farmers and producers. “Our local agriculture sector might eventually die out,” he warned.
Senator Kiko Pangilinan echoed the alarm, urging Malacañang to disclose the full details of the agreement, especially regarding the agricultural products that will be affected. He called for clear safeguards to be put in place for the country’s farmers and fisherfolk.
“New policies and agreements must come with clear safeguards for local livelihoods. Our farmers need support, not setbacks,” Pangilinan said.
The agreement follows a July 9 announcement from US President Donald Trump, who set new tariff rates—ranging from 20 to 30 percent—for six countries including the Philippines. For Manila, the rate was initially pegged at 20 percent but was later reduced to 19 percent after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met with Trump earlier this week.
In a post on social media, Trump declared that the Philippines would now “open market with the US” under a “zero tariffs” arrangement for American exports, signaling the conclusion of the trade negotiations. However, lawmakers in Manila remain wary, demanding fairness and transparency moving forward.
