Philippines optimistic for US support in LEC

The Philippines is optimistic about continued U.S. support for the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) under the Trump administration.

Frederick Go, head of OSAPIEA, expressed hope that the US will provide tangible economic benefits to the Philippines due to its alliance.

The LEC involves a trilateral commitment among the Philippines, US, and Japan, with additional interest from countries like the UK, Sweden, Korea, and Australia.

Despite President Trump's pause on foreign aid funding, Go assured that this would not affect the feasibility study for the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas cargo railway project.

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto supports reducing tariffs on US-made vehicles under a potential free trade agreement (FTA) with the U.S., citing domestic consumption as a buffer against aggressive tariff policies.