Marcos cites need for ASEAN’s proper consensus vs. US tariffs

KUALA LUMPUR - President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Sunday left for Malaysia to participate in the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits. 

Marcos highlighted the need for a proper response of the regional bloc as regards the new tariff schedule that is being imposed by the United States. 

“And as I said, we have already made informal consultations with our fellow member-states, and their representatives with the chairman, (Malaysian Prime Minister) Anwar (Ibrahim), on this subject, as it is something that we have to discuss, and it's something that we have to respond to,” Marcos said in his departure speech.

“And considering the many different situations that the member states of ASEAN have concerning the trade, concerning trade and specifically the tariff schedule imposed by the United States, we must find a way to find consensus, amongst the disparity situations that the different member states are operating under,” he added. 

On May 2, Philippine officials met with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and tackled “mutually beneficial ways to strengthen the bilateral relations” amid the 17% tariff rate imposed by Washington on Manila. 

Marcos also vowed to continue to champion the country’s advocacies in promoting an open and inclusive and rules based international order. 

“And for the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, I will also highlight the Philippines commitment to the development of a common regional framework for ethical and responsible AI, or artificial intelligence aligned with ASEAN values,” Marcos said. 

The country’s caretakers while the President is away are Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla, and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III. 

Marcos is joined by Presidential Communications Secretary Jay Ruiz, Trade and Industry Secretary Christina Aldeguer-Roque, and Mindanao Development Authority head Tereso Magno. 

First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos also went to Malaysia with the President. —RF, GMA Integrated News