The Philippine government is negotiating to lower the 12.5% tariff imposed by the United States on Philippine exports to 10%, while actively working to prove compliance with anti-forced labor regulations.
The elevated tariff was enacted last month after the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump cited concerns that goods produced through forced labor were entering the country’s supply chain.
During a Palace briefing on Thursday, August 6, Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro affirmed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. remains confident in demonstrating the nation’s strict stance against labor exploitation.
She noted that discussions with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) are actively moving forward, with the Palace hopeful for a resolution before the end of the year.
”Ang atin pong pamahalaan ay nakikipag-usap na po, at ito rin po ay nabanggit ni DTI Secretary Cris Roque at lahat po ng kailangang ibigay na impormasayon na hindi po tayo lumalabag sa batas at hindi po tayo pumapayag sa forced labor,” Castro said.
To counter Washington’s allegations, Castro underscored the existence and enforcement of domestic statutes designed to penalize non-compliant employers.
”Marami po tayong batas na nagpapatunay na ito ay ipinagbabawal at ito ay may parusa kapag nahuli na nagkakaroon ang employers at nagpapatupad ng forced labor,” Castro noted.
While no fixed timeline has been established for finalizing the negotiations, the administration maintains a hopeful outlook regarding the outcome.
”Kailangan natin maging optimistic, kailangan natin ipakita talaga na hindi tayo lumalabag sa batas,” the Palace spokesperson said.
Castro maintained that the nation’s established regulatory framework serves as solid proof against any claims of systemic labor abuse.
”With all the laws that we have and the laws being implemented here in our country, we can say that, we can prove them that the accusation that we are into forced labor is wrong,” Castro added.