Following negotiations with United States President Donald Trump, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced on Tuesday a reduction of the U.S. tariff rate on Philippine goods from 20 percent to 19 percent.

“We managed to bring down the 20 percent tariff rate for the Philippines to 19. Now, one percent might seem like a very small concession. However when you put it in real terms, it is a significant achievement,” President Marcos said in an interview with the Philippine media delegation before heading back to Manila.

The revised tariff rates placed the Philippines among the most competitively positioned Southeast Asian economies trading with the United States. Currently, the Philippines holds the second-lowest tariff rate in the region at 19 percent, with Singapore, which has a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the U.S., maintaining the lowest at 10 percent. U.S. tariffs for other Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries range between 19 percent to 49 percent.

Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel Romualdez said trade discussions will continue.

“The lowering of tariff to 19 percent is a good deal for the moment but there is still more that we can do and that there will still be more discussions ahead,” Romualdez said.

In a joint press conference before their bilateral meeting at the White House, Trump described President Marcos as a “very tough negotiator” in advancing Philippine interests.

“We’ll probably agree to something. But he is a strong negotiator. He loves your country,” said Trump.

Under the trade deal, President Marcos confirmed that the Philippines will remove tariffs on American automobile imports.

“Because we have a tariff on American automobiles, we will open that market and no longer charge tariffs on that,” said President Marcos.

On the other hand, the President noted that the Philippines will increase imports from the United States for soy products, wheat, and pharmaceuticals.

“Mas maging mas mura ‘yung gamot natin,” the President stressed.

“There’s still a lot of detail that needs to be worked out on the different products and the different exports and imports,” he added. The US is a top trading partner of the country with bilateral trade of over $20 billion in 2024. | PND

United States President Donald Trump praised President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during their first face-to-face meeting held at the White House on Tuesday.

Trump, who is in his second term after first serving as president from 2017 to 2021, repeatedly said he was greatly honored by President Marcos’ visit.

“It’s a great honor to have President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines. Great family, great family legacy, and highly respected in his country,” Trump said in a live news conference with President Marcos inside the Oval Office of the White House before the start of their official bilateral meeting.

“I know that because I have many friends in the Philippines. There’s great respect or I couldn’t say it, so congratulations,” Trump added.

President Marcos thanked his American counterpart for the reaffirmation of the “ironclad” alliance between the two military treaty allies.

“I think it is worthwhile to remember that it was President Trump who, in his first term, characterized the relationship between the Philippines and the United States as ‘ironclad.’ And that has been necessarily the case since that time that you made that statement, sir. And it is something that the Philippines will always hold close to its heart,” President Marcos said.

Trump also thanked President Marcos for reinstituting the alliance, describing the Philippines as a “very important nation militarily.”

“And I just want to thank you for being with us. It’s a great honor, you and your representatives. It’s really a great, great honor,” Trump stressed.

President Marcos concluded his three-day official visit to Washington, D.C. on Tuesday.

The President became the first Southeast Asian leader to be hosted by President Trump after being reelected in November, highlighting the deepening ties between Manila and Washington. | PND

United States President Donald Trump expressed strong support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s independent foreign policy approach, particularly the efforts to build partnerships beyond traditional alliances.

In a joint press conference at the White House on Tuesday, both leaders underscored the strength of U.S.-Philippine relations and mutual respect for sovereign rights.

As the Philippines prepares to chair the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026, President Marcos stressed the Philippines’ commitment to national sovereignty and international cooperation.

“There is no need to balance our relationship between the United States and China. Our foreign policy is an independent one,” President Marcos said.

The President noted that while the United States remains the Philippines’ “strongest partner,” it is also important to build multilateral relations with other nations that respect international law and shared democratic values, particularly in upholding the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

In response, President Trump welcomed the Philippines’ foreign policy, noting that the United States supports President Marcos’ freedom to act in the best interest of the Philippines.

“I don’t mind if he gets along with China, because we’re getting along with China very well,” Trump said.

“I think he has to do what’s right for his country. I’ve always said, you know, make the Philippines great again. Do whatever you need to do,” he added.

President Trump expressed his profound respect and admiration for President Marcos, citing the latter’s strong leadership and family legacy.

“It’s a great honor to have President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines. Great family, great family legacy, and highly respected in his country,” Trump said.

President Marcos was invited by Trump for a three-day official visit from July 20 to 22 and was shown importance as he was hosted at the historic Blair House, the U.S. President’s Guest House for select visiting heads of state and top dignitaries. | PND

Following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to prioritize farmers’ welfare during calamities, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) will assist those affected by severe tropical storm “Crising” to help them recover and restore their livelihoods.

In a virtual briefing on Tuesday, NIA Administrator Eddie Guillen assured the public that the agency is fully prepared to assist farmers whose crops and irrigation systems were damaged by the storm.

“Ang masasabi ko lang po dito sa ating mga bagong bayaning magsasaka ay nakahanda po lagi ang NIA na tumulong po sa inyo lalo na po kapag ganitong may mga calamities,” Guillen said.

“Yung bilin po ng ating Pangulo ay talagang tutukan po ang pangangailangan ng ating mga magsasaka. So, kami pong lahat ay nagtutulong-tulong para po mas maganda ang serbisyong darating po sa inyo,” he added.

Guillen said the NIA is in close coordination with the Department of Agriculture (DA) to provide essential farming inputs, such as seeds and high-value crops, to the affected farmers.

Guillen expressed gratitude to President Marcos for the equipment that he turned over to them, which will help in the faster rehabilitation and declogging of irrigation canals.

“At ang ipinagpapasalamat po natin … is ‘yung mga equipment po na nai-turnover sa atin ng ating Pangulo ay malaking tulong para sa pagpapasaayos namin, mas mabilis, at pagde-declog natin sa ating mga irrigation canals,” he said.

On June 2, President Marcos led the turnover of more than 200 units of machinery for irrigation operations and maintenance nationwide. The equipment includes vehicles, backhoes, dump trucks, and excavators. | PND

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has been using artificial intelligence (AI) for weather forecasting to help predict rainfall levels and to minimize the impact of dam water releases on low-lying communities, an official of NIA said on Tuesday.

In a virtual press briefing, NIA Administrator Eduardo Guillen said the NIA is now following a protocol for releasing water from major dams, such as Angat and Ipo, noting that the agency advises the public at least two to three hours prior to releasing water.

“Mayroon kasing ginagamit ang NIA ngayon na itong ating advanced weather forecasting system na may AI technology. Two weeks nape-predict na po namin kung magre-release kami ng tubig o hindi dito sa ating malalaking dam dito sa Magat and Pantabangan,” Guillen said.

The NIA Administrator emphasized that releasing water from dams is necessary to maintain their structural integrity.

Guillen said that in releasing water, NIA follows a standard operating procedure that includes coordinating with local government units (LGUs) and issuing advisories through social media, its primary platform for informing residents in low-lying areas of an impending release.

Guillen noted that for major dams such as Pantabangan, Magat, and Jalaur, advisories on water releases are issued well in advance—typically four days to one week ahead.

“May radio station na po ang NIA under ng PBS, so mas maganda na po iyong ating warning forecast, warning system ngayon,” he added.

Guillen said that, despite the continuous downpour, the fact that high dams under NIA have not had to release water is encouraging.

Only Ipo dam, which supplies potable water to Metro Manila, has so far released water, he said. | PND

The state weather agency on Tuesday advised the public to take extra precautions and to prepare for continuous rains in the next two to three days due to the enhanced southwest monsoon (Habagat) and two low-pressure areas (LPAs) that may develop into tropical cyclones.

“Kaya’t patuloy pa rin po iyong paalala natin, bagama’t wala na tayong bagyo, nandiyan pa rin iyong pinag-ibayong Habagat at iyong dalawang low pressure posibleng maging bagyo na siyang magpapaibayo pa muli ng Habagat sa susunod na dalawa hanggang tatlong araw,” Engr. Christopher Perez said.

Perez is the chief of the Weather Forecasting Section of the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA).

“Posible po tayong magpalabas ng update regarding the low-pressure kung magiging bagyo ito, it’s either ngayong hapon or mamayang gabi kaya antabayanan po nating lahat iyong update na iyan,” Perez said.

He said PAGASA expects cloudy skies and scattered monsoon rains over most parts of Luzon, particularly the western section, until Friday.

Perez said the two weather systems, which could potentially develop into tropical cyclones, have been intensifying the enhanced Habagat and causing continuous rainfall.

Orange rainfall warning has been raised in Zambales, Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Metro Manila, Cavite, Batangas, and Rizal. Those under yellow rainfall warning include Tarlac, Nueva Ecija and Laguna.

“‘Pag may orange na rainfall warning po tayo, ibig sabihin na andiyan parin iyong mga pagbaha dahil nakikita naman po natin during the past few days talagang matinding pag-ulan,” Perez said.

The Visayas PAGASA Regional Services Division also issued a warning about possible flooding in Occidental Mindoro. It also said rainfall will continue in Palawan, some parts of Iloilo, Guimaras, Capiz, Aklan, and Antique.

In Northern Luzon, a high yellow rainfall warning was issued in Pangasinan. | PND

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) urged the public on Tuesday to practice discipline in waste disposal, emphasizing that preventing floods is not the sole responsibility of the government, but a shared duty of all Filipinos.

“Kami po ay nananawagan sa ating mga kababayan sana po magkaroon tayo ng disiplina regarding sa pagtatapon ng basura. Sa aking palagay, ang pagbabaha po ay di lang responsibilidad ng pamahalaan,” MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said.

In a virtual briefing, Artes said, “Dapat po magtulong-tulong tayo. Di po natin kaya na tayo lang. Kailangan po may partisipasyon ng bawat isa, lalong-lalo na po sa pagtatapon ng basura.”

Artes said that, upon orders from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the MMDA has been continuously working to prepare and implement solutions to problems, particularly those caused by typhoons and floods.

“Sa instructions po ng ating Pangulo, ang MMDA po ay nagprepara at patuloy na nagtratrabaho para po paghandaan at aksyunan ang mga problema na dulot ng pagbaha,” Artes said.

“Kami naman po ay naka-antabay sa kahit anong mangyari. Kami po ay nakikipagtulungan sa ating mahal na pamahalaan,” Artes said.

Artes also said that all 71 pumping stations are working and at full capacity, as flooding subsided quickly.

Artes said the drainage systems are outdated, having been in use for over 50 years and now considered undersized.

“Isa po sa reason kaya nagkakaroon ng baha ay ang mga basura,” said Artes. “Masasabi ko naman po na mabilis. Mas mabilis po sana ito kung wala ang mga bara sa lagusan ng tubig,” Artes said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered government agencies to focus on rescue and relief operations and to use all available resources to ensure the safety of people affected by southwest monsoon, a Palace official said on Tuesday.

“Klaro ang gusto ng Pangulo. Ituon ang lahat ng kakayahan at available resources ng gobyerno upang tiyakin na ligtas at nasa maayos na kalagayan ang lahat ng apektado ng malawakang pag-ulan at pagbaha,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said on Tuesday.

President Marcos directed the immediate suspension of all activities related to the SONA following reports that some government workers were placing materials in public areas, even as many communities remain under threat from widespread flooding.

“Alam po nating lahat na ang utos ng Pangulo ay magtrabaho tayo para sa taong bayan. At iyan naman ang ginagawa ng mga kawanin ng gobyerno. Kapuri-puri po kayo,” Castro said during a press briefing at Malacañang.

“Pero hindi po ito napapanahon na unahin ito kaysa sa kaligtasan ninyo at kaligtasan ng mga mamamayan,” Castro said.

The President ordered that all government resources and efforts be redirected to support communities affected by flooding, particularly in delivering urgent assistance and ensuring public safety.

The directive came after the President received reports that some government workers were installing SONA materials instead of addressing the immediate needs of flood-stricken communities. | PND

Malacañang on Tuesday announced the suspension of work in government offices and classes at all levels in Metro Manila due to continuous heavy rainfall brought about the southwest monsoon.

Under Memorandum Circular No. 90, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin ordered the suspension following the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), citing the need to ensure public safety amid persistent rains and potential flooding.

Aside from Metro Manila, government work and classes at all levels were also suspended in several regions across Luzon and the Visayas.

In Region I, Ilocos Region, the affected provinces include Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and La Union.

In Region II, Cagayan Valley, the suspension applies specifically to the province of Nueva Vizcaya. Meanwhile, in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), the provinces of Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao, and Benguet are also covered.

In Region III, Central Luzon, the suspension includes Tarlac, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, and Nueva Ecija.

The entire Region IV-A, CALABARZON, is also covered, including the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon.

Likewise, the suspension applies to the entire Region IV-B, MIMAROPA, covering Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan.

In Region V, Bicol Region, the provinces of Masbate, Sorsogon, Albay, Camarines Sur, and Catanduanes are included.

In the Visayas, Region VI, Western Visayas is partially affected, with the suspension covering the provinces of Antique, Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo, and Guimaras.

Government agencies involved in delivering basic, vital, health, and disaster response services are mandated to remain fully operational to ensure the continuity of essential government functions. Non-critical personnel may adopt alternate work arrangements in accordance with existing laws and regulations.

Local chief executives in other regions not listed in the memorandum may declare suspension of work or classes in their respective jurisdictions, depending on local conditions.

Meanwhile, work in private companies and offices will be at the discretion of their respective management.

The order takes immediate effect, as the government continues to monitor weather developments and coordinate necessary responses. | PND

The Department of Health (DOH) has prepositioned PhP31 million worth of emergency medicines and logistics as part of a comprehensive public health response to safeguard the well-being of Filipinos affected by widespread flooding.

In a Palace press briefing on Tuesday, DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said the supplies are already being utilized by local government units (LGUs) in the affected regions, following the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

“Sa utos po ng ating Pangulo, mayroon na po tayong PhP31 na milyong pisong halaga ng mga emergency medicines and logistics na naka-preposition at malamang ginagamit na po sa mga local government units sa Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Western Visayas, Central Visayas at Northern Mindanao,” Domingo said.

The DOH has also prepared PhP180 million worth of standby emergency medical supplies, including antibiotics, fever and pain relievers, oral rehydration salts, and herbal remedies such as lagundi.

“Mayroon din pong mga hygiene kits, mga drinking water containers at mga chlorine tablets para huwag tayong uminom ng kontaminadong tubig at mayroon ding breastfeeding kits para sa ating mga nanay,” Domingo added.

DOH medical teams and LGU health workers are now rotating through evacuation centers to administer medicines, monitor conditions, and prevent potential disease outbreaks.

Domingo emphasized the importance of early prophylaxis for leptospirosis, particularly for individuals who had contact with floodwaters.

“Kahit wala pa ho tayong nararamdaman na sintomas basta ho dumaplis sa balat natin iyong tubig-baha … kumunsulta ho tayo kasi iyong gamot puwede naman hong ibigay nang libre sa ating mga government health center,” Domingo said.

The DOH advised the public to boil drinking water for at least two minutes, avoid contact with floodwaters, and wash thoroughly after exposure to floodwaters. Early signs of leptospirosis include fever, muscle aches, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa has been visiting evacuation centers, starting in Marikina, to monitor health conditions.

“Ang karaniwang sakit po ngayon ay ang ubo at saka sipon dala na rin po nang pabagu-bago na panahon,” Domingo noted.

“Ang DOH ay nandito po para sa inyo,” Domingo said. | PND