Pangilinan raises alarm over zero tariff on U.S. goods

Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan on Wednesday voiced deep concern over the Philippine government’s recent approval of a zero tariff rate for U.S. goods. 

In a statement, the senator warned that this move, while aimed at fostering economic ties, could severely impact the country's agricultural sector and threaten the livelihoods of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk.

Thus, Pangilinan urged Malacañang to be transparent about the specifics of the new trade arrangement. He emphasized the need for clarity on which agricultural products would be included under the zero tariff policy.

“While we understand the need for economic stability, it should not come at the price of the livelihoods of our agricultural workers,” Pangilinan said. 

“If implemented without careful consideration, a zero tariff policy will disadvantage our farmers and fisherfolk, and put in peril our work toward food security and national development,” he added. 

US President Donald Trump recently touted the Philippines' openness to a zero-tariff trade policy with the United States. 

However, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. clarified that the zero tariffs would only apply to select products, such as automobiles, while acknowledging that the Philippines will increase imports of US goods like soy and wheat products as well as medicines.

Still, Pangilinan insisted that new trade agreements must include clear safeguards to protect local producers. 

“New policies and agreements must come with clear safeguards for local livelihoods. Our farmers need support, not setbacks. They need us to protect them, rather than put their livelihoods at risk,” he said. 

According to data from the Department of Agriculture, the Philippines currently imports various agricultural commodities from the US, including animal feeds, cereals, dairy products, meat, poultry, fruits, and vegetables. 

The influx of duty-free imports could potentially overwhelm local production, destabilizing prices and threatening the sustainability of Filipino agriculture.