Philippines kicks off ASEAN chairship, pushes unified stance on US tariff’

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February 25, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines —  The Philippines, which formally kicked off its ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) chairship, is looking to push for a unified regional stance following the United States’ imposition of a new global tariff.

The Philippines will also push for the completion of a regional digital framework agreement and development of key sectors to help the region navigate technological disruptions and other risks in a rapidly changing global environment.

Speaking at the ASEAN Editors and Economic Opinion Leaders Forum yesterday, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque outlined the Philippines’ strategic priorities for its chairship this year.

The forum, which gathered Cabinet members, diplomats and the private sector, marked the formal launch of the Philippines’ business and investment promotion calendar under its ASEAN chairship.

Roque told reporters that the Philippines would push for a unified ASEAN stance during an upcoming trade ministers meeting.

Over the weekend, US President Donald Trump imposed a new 15-percent global tariff on all trade partners after the US Supreme Court struck down the reciprocal tariffs that took effect last year.

While President Marcos is set to have a working visit to the US on March 8 to 11, Roque said it is not clear if tariff discussions would be part of the agenda.

Prior to the US Supreme Court’s ruling and the imposition of the new global tariff, Philippine exports to the US, excluding semiconductors and key agricultural products, were slapped with a 19 percent levy.

Trade Undersecretary Allan Gepty said that there are still exemptions under the new global tariff, but the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is still checking the extent.

Roque said the Philippines continues to hold discussions on the tariffs with the US.

Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (Philexport) president Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. told reporters that the group’s export outlook for this year has been clouded by the imposition of the new global tariff.

Earlier, the Philexport said it  is optimistic about export growth this year, citing new free trade agreements and deals being negotiated by the government.

As this year’s ASEAN chair, the Philippines has adopted the theme Navigating Our Future, Together and would be conducting events to show the region is not just navigating change, but also playing an important role in shaping the future.

“We recognize the complexity of today’s global environment – geopolitical tensions, technological disruption, supply chain shifts and climate risks. Yet we remain confident in ASEAN’s collective strength. ASEAN bonded together is a force that cannot be ignored,” she said.

She said that among the priorities of the Philippines’ chairship is to promote digitalization and leverage artificial intelligence.

In particular, she said the Philippines will push for the signing of ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), which is expected to be the world’s first most comprehensive regional pact on the digital economy.

The agreement is expected to promote seamless and secure flow of goods, services and data in the ASEAN through enabling rules, regulation, infrastructure and talent.

It is also expected to boost cooperation in cybersecurity and establish frameworks to protect data privacy, as well as link micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to regional and global markets.

Winfried Wicklein, director general for Sectors Department 2 at the Asian Development Bank said that regional connectivity is expected to help drive growth in ASEAN, including the Philippines through infrastructure and creating links to countries and markets.

“The DEFA, if implemented and hopefully finalized this year, and then rolled out in the next several years, could have a huge impact,” he said.

iSON Tower chairman Vivek Gupta said that many households in the ASEAN still lack digital connectivity and are unable to contribute and take part in the digital economy.

“This is where probably digital connectivity, tower infrastructure, data centers and fiber have to play a very, very important role,” he said.

He said infrastructure is a very important ingredient in the digital economy and digital revolution.

Roque said the Philippines will also focus on other initiatives that are expected to benefit the region such as the development of semiconductors and critical minerals and renewable energy infrastructure.

The Philippines will also push for cross-border mobility of digital talent, MSME development and health care and innovation.

The country would also promote recent reforms and investment opportunities including the CREATE MORE Act, Green Lanes for Strategic Investments, Public-Private Partnership Code, Enterprise-Based Education and Training Act, Land Lease Act and the Tatak Pinoy (Proudly Filipino) Act.

“The Philippines is open, competitive and ready,” Roque said.