Malacañang assures farmers protection from US imports

Malacañang has addressed concerns raised by lawmakers and stakeholders regarding potential negative impacts on the agriculture industry due to increased imports from the United States.

Frederick Go, special assistant to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., assured Filipinos that the government carefully studied the effects of zero tariffs on selected US products and ensured local industries would be protected.

Locally-produced agricultural goods such as rice, corn, sugar, chicken, fish, and pork will face Philippine tariffs to shield domestic producers from foreign competition, according to the Department of Agriculture.

Go emphasized that the agreement will not harm Filipino farmers and fisherfolk, while noting benefits like lower prices for medicines and automobiles due to zero tariffs on certain US imports.

Negotiations between the Philippines and the United States are ongoing, with plans to finalize remaining details in future technical working group meetings.