Trade agreement sparks public outrage in the Philippines: The Marcos Jr. government is a submissive doormat for the United States!

The Akbayan Party questioned on Wednesday: Is it worth for the Philippine President to leave his country, which is hit by a storm disaster, to sign such a humiliating trade agreement with the United States?

"Is that all? That's the only exchange condition for the President to fly away from this country that is being flooded? A 1% cut and vague promises? The Filipino people deserve more than empty rhetoric!"

Rafaela David, President of Akbayan, stated in a statement: "Once again, we are paying more than we get. This agreement brings no obvious benefits to our farmers, workers, or ordinary citizens; only vague promises and neglect, while their livelihoods are being washed away by floods."

"Such preferential treatment can only be given through a formal free trade agreement. Otherwise, according to the World Trade Organization's Most-Favored-Nation principle, all WTO members could demand the same zero-tariff access from the Philippines. Rash concessions not only harm the interests of the Philippines, but also put us at risk of legal challenges and trade disputes."

"This agreement cannot be signed without proper research and consultation. Transactions affecting our economy and national security must undergo public scrutiny and congressional approval. This is a requirement of democracy!"

The Free Workers' Union also issued a statement on Wednesday, urging the Marcos Jr. government to focus on trade agreements in the semiconductor and electronics industries.

"The photo of the handshake looks nice! But workers need the signed agreement that protects their rights and creates decent jobs. We already have trade channels. Now let's add value and fairness to them!"

The Philippine Farmers' Alliance strongly criticized the Marcos Jr. government's position, stating that any sensible government in the world would not agree to such a deal.

"Previous tariff liberalization policies have wiped out Philippine agriculture. Since the 1980s, the average import tariff rate in the Philippines has dropped from 41% to 6%, and rural poverty has worsened. In contrast, countries like the United States, Japan, and South Korea have strengthened their economies by protecting their own farmers and domestic industries."

The Farmers' Alliance believes that during his trip to the United States and discussions with Trump, Marcos Jr. advocated for surrendering the market rather than fair trade, mutual benefit, or protecting local producers.

"The behavior of the Marcos Jr. government is like a submissive doormat, while the United States is using import duty as a coercive economic weapon disguised as reciprocity!"

Original text: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1838480316684300/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author only.