MANILA – Malacañang clarified that the Philippines was not excluded from the United States’ latest zero-tariff concession for select Southeast Asian countries, saying the government intentionally opted out to shield key domestic sectors from full foreign competition.

Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go, in a statement released by Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration decided to prioritize food security and safeguard local producers over rapid market liberalization.

“We are trying to protect several industries in the Philippines, such as rice, corn, sugar, and poultry,” Go said in a statement shared by Castro.

Castro explained that only two ASEAN countries received preferential tariff treatment after agreeing to open 100 percent of their markets to US food, agricultural, and industrial products.

The Palace’s clarification came after the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) expressed disappointment that Manila was not among the beneficiaries of the zero-tariff scheme, despite being one of Washington’s closest allies in Southeast Asia.

According to reports, US President Donald Trump approved the zero-percent tariff program for selected goods from Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand, formalized during the ASEAN Summit held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Trump earlier announced steep tariffs covering most imports, including those from the Philippines, which was initially set to face a 20 percent tariff — three percentage points higher than the originally planned 17 percent.

President Marcos, who met with Trump in the US last July, was able to negotiate a reduction to 19 percent beginning August.

(PNA)