Category: Business Mirror

DESCRIBING it as ‘long overdue,’ an assistant majority leader of the House of Representatives on Sunday expressed strong support for Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla’s plan to restore public access to the Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs) of all government officials, including those of President Marcos former President Rodrigo Duterte, and Vice President Sara Duterte.

Las Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos described the Ombudsman’s initiative as ‘a historic step toward ending secrecy, fighting corruption, and restoring the people’s faith in government,’ emphasizing that public trust can only be rebuilt through openness.

SALNs of public officials were closed to public access by former Ombudsman Samuel Martires, a

Duterte appointee

‘Public office is a public trust. The people have the right to know how their officials manage their wealth and live up to the ethical standards set by law,’ Santos said. ‘I fully support Ombudsman Remulla’s initiative to reverse the restrictive 2020 policy that limited public access to SALNs.’

The 2020 memorandum issued by then Ombudsman Samuel Martires required public officials’ consent before releasing their SALNs-a rule widely criticized for shielding officials from scrutiny.

Santos noted that Remulla’s move upholds Republic Act 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, which mandates that SALNs be open to public inspection and copying upon reasonable request.

‘Transparency tools like the SALN system are essential in deterring corruption and rebuilding public trust in institutions,’ Santos said. ‘The government should not hide behind the excuse of data privacy when it comes to accountability. As long as safeguards are in place, there is no reason why the people should be kept in the dark.’

Santos also expressed support for Remulla’s vow to investigate alleged anomalies in flood control projects, saying, ‘That is exactly the kind of leadership we need in the Office of the Ombudsman-no sacred cows, just the truth and the law.’

‘That is exactly the kind of leadership we need in the Office of the Ombudsman,’ Santos said. ‘No sacred cows-just the truth and the law. I look forward to working with Ombudsman Remulla in strengthening institutional integrity and ending impunity in public service.’

Remulla earlier said the SALNs of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., former President Rodrigo Duterte, and Vice President Sara Duterte may be among those accessible to the public starting next week. He also indicated openness to releasing SALNs dating back to 2016.

THE Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has launched an intensified inspection campaign all over the country to ensure the seaworthiness of passenger vessels ahead of the expected surge in travelers for the All Saints-All Souls Days commemoration, when Filipinos traditionally visit the graves of their departed loved ones.

The simultaneous inspections, which will run until October 17, involve 14 inspection teams deployed from Luzon to Mindanao. As of October 12, the Marina reported that 132 vessels had already undergone compliance checks under the ‘Intensified Compliance Inspection’ program.

Marina Administrator Sonia Malaluan said the initiative is not a routine activity but part of the agency’s broader ‘Ligtas Biyaheng Dagat’ campaign to safeguard passengers and strengthen the culture of maritime safety nationwide.

‘The safety of life at sea should never be taken lightly. These inspections ensure that every operating vessel is safe, reliable, and compliant with regulations-not just for the Undas period but throughout the year,’ she said.

She noted that ships found with deficiencies during the inspections will be subject to monitoring and follow-up checks.

Malaluan emphasized that the agency will impose punitive actions against vessels or operators that fail to meet safety standards.

OMBUDSMAN Jesus Crispin Remulla is set to release today (Tuesday) the rules that would give the public access to the statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALNs) of public officials subject to certain conditions.

President Ferdinand Marcos is ready to release his SALN to the public if it will be allowed by the Ombudsman, according to Malacañang.

This, after newly installed Ombudsman Jesus Crispin ‘Boying’ C. Remulla said he will allow the ‘conditional’ release of the SALNs to the media.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President will comply with the decision of the Ombudsman, which has the authority over SALN releases.

The said compliance to the Ombudsman, she said, will not only extend to the President, but also other officials of the Executive branch.

‘Whatever is appropriate, whatever the law says, and whatever is best for fighting corruption, everyone in the executive department will obey,’ said in Filipino in a press briefing last Monday.

Remulla also said he would ask the Senate and the House of Representatives to also provide the Ombudsman copies of the SALNs of their members to be included in its files.

Remulla said copies of SALNs will be made available to requesting parties provided that they would sign an undertaking to prevent it from being weaponized.

‘As far as the rules of the SALNs are concerned, we will come up with it by tomorrow. By tomorrow you will get a handle on these rules and we will really make it available, that’s the best and we will start from the President down,’ Remulla said.

‘Our only request is for requesting parties to have an undertaking so all will be responsible from the information we get,’ the Ombudsman said.

During the term of his predecessor, former Ombudsman Samuel Martires, public’s access to SALNs of elected officials was restricted through his Memorandum Circular No. 1.

Under the memo, SALNs were only to be released if the request was made by the government official concerned, or his or her representative; if it was legally ordered by the court in relation to a pending case; and if it was made through the Office of the Ombudsman’s field investigation office for the purpose of a fact-finding probe.

Earlier, former Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Antonio Carpio said Remulla should allow the public to have access to government officials’ SALN.

He suggested that private information like residence, the name of children and other details that do not pertain to assets or liabilities be redacted.

Carpio said this move would restore the public’s trust in government in light of various anomalies involving flood control projects.

Remulla, the former Department of Justice (DOJ) secretary, said he may allow the release of the SALNs to media entities, which conduct investigative reports and enter into data sharing arrangements with the Office of the Ombudsman.

When asked if a new DOJ chief was already appointed, Castro said she still has no information on the matter.

Currently, DOJ Undersecretary Frederick A. Vida was designated as the officer-in-charge of the agency.

She assured the President will pick a person of integrity, who is reliable, impartial and fair as his new DOJ chief.

THE Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Misamis Oriental Chapter has condemned the killing of Niruh Kyle Antatico, a Juris Doctor graduate and anti-corruption advocate, in Patag village, Cagayan de Oro on Friday.

The 40-year-old Antatico was gunned down by motorcycle-riding men which was reportedly captured on dashcam footage but authorities have yet to identify his assailants.

In a statement, the IBP chapter characterized the attack as an assault on democratic principles.

Antatico was a former legal officer for the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) in Northern Mindanao who was known for exposing alleged irregularities within the agency.

‘The IBP Misamis Oriental Chapter expresses its grave concern over Mr. Antatico’s untimely death and the possibility that his murder may have been connected to his efforts to expose alleged wrongdoing in some government offices,’ the statement said.

‘Any attack on a person seeking accountability is an attack on the rule of law itself, and we cannot allow fear and impunity to erode the foundations of justice and public service,’ it added.

The lawyers’ group also urged authorities to immediately conduct an impartial investigation of the case and bring the perpetrators before the bar of justice.

‘Authorities must pursue every lead, including the potential connection between Mr. Antatico’s exposés and his killing, and ensure that both the perpetrators and any masterminds are held fully accountable, regardless of position or influence,’ the IBP said.

The IBP chapter also called on individuals who may have knowledge about irregularities in the government to come forward and seek assistance from its office.

‘Pursuant to the IBP’s mandate to promote the rule of law and uphold the public interest, the Chapter stands ready to assist in efforts to address governance-related concerns,’ the group stressed.

‘Whimsical’ may be the first adjective one could use to describe the MCM Collection, a line of Eau de Parfums inspired by the brand’s iconic leather animals, but it’s also insightful, interesting and adventurous. Designed in collaboration with master perfumers from DSM-Firmenich, the collection is made with sustainably sourced ingredients and contained in bottles topped with whimsical golden figures. Each fragrance embodies the essence of MCM’s bold, adventurous DNA.

The new MCM fragrance collection celebrates individual uniqueness, with each scent bringing joy, love, and a reminder of the beauty that pets and nature’s wonders bring to our lives.

Zen Elephant was inspired by the pursuit of balance and opens with freesia for calm and clarity. Other notes include magnolia (quiet reflection), oakmoss and cardamom (wisdom and serenity), and grapefruit. This is one of the favorites from the collection and understandably so because it is a floral woody scent. It’s unique yet very likable. You know how many unique scents are acquired tastes? This is not true for Zen Elephant. It’s a fragrance that you take a liking to immediately.

Darling Doxie has a woody and spicy aroma with notes of ylang-ylang, chamomile, pink pepper, nutmeg, and rich sandalwood.

Charming Pup has notes of rose, elegantly intertwined with the sophisticated depth of cedarwood. Meanwhile, vetiver adds a touch of refined earthiness, grounding the fragrance

Jolly Rabbit is a joyful scent with notes of orange citrus, neroli, and vetiver. Ginger and jasmine petals give Jolly Rabbit more playful notes because the rabbit is, after all, a very social and active animal.

Finally, Mighty Bear has top notes of bergamot, followed by the warmth of vanilla and the earth tones of sandalwood. The bear is a symbol of resilience grounded in nature, hence the woody floral accents of Mighty Bear. The scent is unisex and can lean toward masculine for some but that’s what I like about it. I can apply more if I am feeling it one day, or just spritz lightly if I feel like wearing fragrance for myself. To make it less masculine, I layer it with a vanilla scent or Zen Elephant.

I’d say the scent profiles in the collection are unexpected and versatile. Each bottle is topped by the character it represents so the scents in the collection are good collectibles. I love how each scent profile tells a story. The Mighty Bear, for example, represents resilience. Darling Doxie represents loyalty while Zen Elephant is all about clarity. Jolly Rabbit evokes joy while Charming Pup embodies charm and confidence.

The MCM Fragrance Collection is available at Rustans Beauty Source and distributed in the country by Luxasia Philippines.

The national budget should be a testament to our aspirations-a financial blueprint for progress, health, education, and shared prosperity. Yet, the recent revelations emerging from Congress paint a different picture. The 2026 budget, it appears, is not just a plan for development, but a meticulously crafted blueprint for plunder.

What the ongoing budget deliberations for 2026 reveal is a well-oiled machine designed to siphon public funds with alarming efficiency. The mechanism is deceptively simple and tragically effective. It begins with budgetary sleights of hand, such as the massive P243.22 billion in ‘unprogrammed appropriations.’ As Akbayan Rep. Chel Diokno rightly argued, if these projects were genuine national priorities, they would be transparently programmed into departmental budgets. Instead, they exist in a shadowy fiscal realm, lump-sum funds that lack specificity and are notoriously difficult to track, making them ripe for manipulation by politically connected individuals. The swift rejection of the proposal to eliminate these funds speaks volumes about the political will to maintain this opaque system.

The corruption cascades through a complex and insidious web of inter-agency collusion. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) may be the primary implementing body, but the funds are strategically lodged in various other departments-the Department of Agriculture (DA) for farm-to-market roads (FMRs), the Department of National Defense for security structures, and the Department of Education for school buildings. This diffusion of responsibility creates a bureaucratic maze where accountability is easily lost. As Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. admitted, billions in FMR projects were being implemented by the DPWH without his agency’s concurrence, effectively making the DA a bystander in the use of its own allocated funds.

Political patronage fuels this system. It is no coincidence, as Senator Sherwin Gatchalian pointed out, that the Bicol region and Leyte-hometowns of the former House Appropriations chairman and the former Speaker, respectively-received the lion’s share of funding for questionable FMRs, while the nation’s actual rice granaries were left behind. The same contractors flagged for ‘ghost’ flood-control projects magically reappear as top awardees for FMR contracts.

The consequences for the people are devastating. When a farm-to-market road is priced at an astronomical P348,432 per meter-a 96 percent markup from the standard cost-it is a direct theft from the public treasury. When a planned 10-kilometer road is truncated to just 2 kilometers to accommodate kickbacks, it is the farmer who is robbed of the opportunity to bring his produce to market. Every peso stolen for a ‘ghost’ project is a peso not spent on textbooks, hospital beds, or social aid.

To their credit, lawmakers like Senator Gatchalian and cabinet members like Secretary Laurel are sounding the alarm. The Senate’s forensic budget review, and the proposal to return project implementation to the originating agencies are commendable first steps.

However, we must not be naive. This is not a problem that can be solved by simply transferring funds or auditing a few projects. The corruption is systemic, and the roots run deep. As Senator Gatchalian himself fears, a few months of cleanup at the DPWH may not be enough to purge an agency where such practices have become institutionalized.

Tackling this menace requires more than just investigations; it demands fundamental structural reform. It requires a radical commitment to budget transparency, starting with the complete abolition of opaque lump-sum and unprogrammed funds.

The battle over the national budget is a battle for the nation’s future. The people deserve infrastructure that connects communities, not enriches cronies. The question now is whether the country’s leaders have the political courage to dismantle this blueprint for systematic plunder.

Lawmakers should avoid abusing public trust by misappropriating the P243.22 billion in unprogrammed appropriations in the 2026 budget. The world has seen how public outrage against corrupt officials can lead to severe consequences, including civil unrest. Corruption weakens democratic institutions, stunts economic development, and deepens social inequality.

Remember how everyone turned kind, compassionate, and respectful during the pandemic years? For many of us, the loss of some kin, friends, and associates to Covid-19 brought out our humanity. We became more patient, more gentle, more benevolent towards each other, and even gave way to people who were not necessarily older or disabled. And we simply practiced good manners.

Fast forward to 2025 when the dark memories of the pandemic seem to have receded too fast. Today, we’re back to the normal cycle of work, attending events, concerts, and social engagements. We’re interacting again for both official and personal reasons. Unfortunately, we have noted that people don’t seem to be as kind and respectful anymore. Every day, headlines and news stories scream about massive corruption in the government and the angry masses are calling for justice and accountability. With civil unrest a potential threat to our stability, we are indeed facing a grim and negative present and future.

What’s going on? Why are people lashing out with hatred and aggression? Can we not turn to more constructive means of coping with these turbulent times?

This seems to have influenced even workplace practices, with some employees backsliding to old bad habits. Can we, as communicators or practitioners of public relations, do something about this before problems become unmanageable?

Let me cite a few day-to-day situations where we could, at the very least, try to practice basic good business manners during meetings-both in the office and from home.

Don’t be too ‘share-happy’ with seemingly ‘hot’ posts or information that you have not fact-checked.

I frequently get the same posts from several people who enthusiastically send these to their chat groups, without checking for accuracy. They know full well that their posts would just circulate among different sets of friends or cliques. This not only takes up so much space and time; it can also be extremely annoying especially when one finds out that it’s an old rehashed post or worse, downright fake! Sobriety and self-control are virtues to be called on here. Don’t add to the misinformation and disinformation that are neither helpful nor productive.

Decide early: Should it be an online or face-to-face meeting?

When calling for meetings, please consider the following factors in deciding on the place, the date and time, and the venue or method of meeting. Can your subject be discussed online or by phone? Be considerate of the parties’ time and availability by using online options like Zoom or other apps. Do not compel them to come to your office from halfway across Metro Manila, such as from Makati to Quezon City, or from BGC to Alabang, only to tell them something that you could have relayed over the phone. Metro Manila traffic, especially on major thoroughfares like Edsa, can be severely stressful. It is probably best to just meet online-it’s faster and more efficient.

Face-to-face meetings are, of course, reserved for long important discussions where the personal exchange of ideas is vital to decision making, especially when signing documents or turning over of data is involved.

Be on time for both online and face-to-face meetings; it’s rude to make everyone wait.

When an online meeting has been set, participants should fix their connectivity, Wi-Fi issues, and workstation earlier-and be ready to log in at least 5 or 10 minutes before the designated time. The online method is meant to be convenient for everyone so it’s counter-productive to be late.

The same rule applies to face-to-face meetings. Given the challenges of inclement weather and unexpected delays, we should aim to reach our destination at least 30 minutes before the appointment. That should give one sufficient time to find the venue, settle down, and set up one’s notes or laptop.

Be prepared with an agenda that should be known to all.

There is nothing more disconcerting than failure to prepare for a status report. The host of the meeting must thus be ready to tackle an agenda that was shared earlier so that whoever is assigned to present or discuss their topics can be prepared.

Before you call anyone on their mobile phone, please text or send a message to ask if you can call.

The professional way of communicating is to seek permission to call before punching someone’s numbers. You may be in a rush but texting first shows respect for their time and availability. A short line to say ‘May I call you for a few minutes?’ will be most appreciated. Please make sure you stick to your purpose for calling because the person you are talking to may have other items on his time schedule.

Be sensitive to others’ opinions.

If you must do ‘small talk’ before meetings, avoid discussing controversial topics or expressing strong opinions about certain issues that your clients or other meeting participants might have opposing views to.

During both formal and informal meetings, avoid breaking the ice by starting a conversation about the latest online chatter or the latest scandal in government. This may not sit well with everyone present. If the meeting has no formal agenda, and the participants are your close friends, some ‘maritess’ banter may be fine and even adds to the fun. But with fake news proliferating online these days, avoid sharing information that you are not sure about. Some carelessly uttered statements could lead to unpleasant disagreements. It’s best to keep exchanges light, especially if a business agenda is set for discussion in the meeting.

THE current Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) was signed in 2020, initially running through 2027.

In October 2024, the Women’s National Basketball Players’ Association (WNBPA) opted out of that agreement, which started a renegotiation such that the current deal will now expire on October 31, 2025.

The opt-out was a strategic move because the union wants a new deal to better reflect the league’s growth and the value players are bringing.

As of mid-2025, the two sides are reportedly be far apart in their proposals, with tension over how revenue should be shared, how much salary growth is built in, and rules around players’ offseason obligations like overseas play.

The clock is ticking and there is increasing pressure and risk, including talk of a work stoppage like a lockout or strike if no deal is reached.

The league wants to avoid a work stoppage and maintain momentum like rising viewership, the new media deal and expansion.

The union must balance pushing hard with preserving goodwill, avoiding alienating fans or sponsors.

Financial terms are sensitive, distrust can become a major obstacle. Each side may accuse the other of negotiating in bad faith or inflating costs/revenue.

Owners are making long-term investments, and disruptions tarnish valuations; for players, missing a season is more immediately painful like income loss and crucial career stage.

The players arguably have more moral leverage as they are the ‘product’ and growing public support.

The league will stress that revenue is not guaranteed, expenses may rise and macroeconomic conditions may affect the business.

The union will counter that recent growth, media rights,and increasing franchise valuations show sustainable upside that should benefit players.

A well-negotiated CBA could redefine the economics of the WNBA, enabling players to capture more upside from league growth, make the league more sustainable for top talent that reduces reliance on overseas play and raise the floor for lower-tier players.

A failure to agree or a weak deal risks player discontent, potential departures or diminished commitment, brand damage, and possibly a labor stoppage that could disrupt seasons, media contracts and fan support.

If the union succeeds in getting a deal with a greater share of revenue and more guarantees, it might set a new standard for women’s sports and strengthen the bargaining position of other women’s-league players like women’s football, women’s volleyball, and softball.

If the league successfully resists structural change, it may retain more control and financial flexibility-but risk dissatisfaction, talent exodus, or reputation damage.

Rice arrivals through September declined slightly to 3.26 million metric tons (MMT) despite the temporary ban slapped on shipments of the staple grain.

Data from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) showed that rice imports slid by 0.94 percent in the January to September period from the 3.3 MMT recorded last year.

President Marcos had earlier issued an Executive Order (EO) suspending the imports of regular and well-milled rice from September 1 to October 30, 2025.

However, BPI data indicated that 330,826.10 metric tons (MT) of rice shipments entered the country in September.

Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa earlier clarified that imports of the staple grain could still arrive in the country until September 15, provided that these left their respective countries of origin by the end of August.

‘Shipments that left the country beyond August 31 wouldn’t be allowed entry and therefore returned to the country of origin.’ De Mesa said.

Under the EO, the BPI would no longer issue sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances (SPSICs) starting September 1.

Specialty rice varieties, such as Japonica, glutinous, and basmati rice, are exempt from the ban, according to agriculture officials.

The import freeze was imposed to prop up farmgate prices of palay, with industry sources citing the unabated entry of cheaper rice shipments as the reason behind the slump in prices of unmilled rice to as low as P8 per kilo.

Meanwhile, BPI data showed that as of October 9, 2.65 MMT of rice arrivals came from Vietnam, which maintains its spot as the country’s top supplier. Myanmar followed at 343,910.33 MT.

The Philippines also purchased rice stocks from other countries, such as Thailand (176,270.26 MT), Pakistan (76,394.02 MT), and India (20,170.22 MT).

Earlier, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel announced that the government will extend the import ban until the end of 2025.

He said this move aims to protect shield farmers from further losses, as farmgate prices of paddy rice remain under pressure due to oversupply and poor grain quality from successive rains.

Tiu Laurel also revealed that Marcos is considering restoring the 35 percent rice tariff, which was slashed to 15 percent in July 2024 to bring down retail prices.

According to the Bureau of Customs (BOC), the tariff cut resulted in an estimated P20 billion in foregone revenues over 12 months.

‘If the tariff hike is approved, well and good,’ Tiu Laurel said. ‘But if not, our fallback plan-already supported by the President-is to allow importation only in January, and suspend it again from February to April to protect the next harvest.’

EVEN as Manila is still in queue to wrap up talks with Washington, the government has neither earmarked funds nor rolled out initiatives to assist exporters who will be affected by the higher tariffs slapped on goods bound for the United States, its long-time top export destination.

At a Senate hearing on Monday, Trade Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty said: ‘Of course, on our part, we want to fast-track the negotiations [with the US] but when we had our last round of negotiations about three weeks ago, they told us [that] they’re also facing a lot of negotiations with other countries.’

He added, ‘Right now, based on our discussion with our counterpart, it will be very difficult to conclude the same within the year, given the number of negotiations being handled by USTR.’

He said the DTI projects conclusion of the negotiation will end ‘by next year.’

Meanwhile, Trade officials including Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina A. Roque were pressed by Senator Imee Marcos on what are the agency’s planned ‘immediate solutions’ for affected exporters.

For his part, Gepty explained that the country’s strategy to navigate through the tariff headwinds is to ‘Of course, to continue the negotiation with the US.’

Another strategy, he noted, is to request the exemption of key Philippine products, adding, ‘That’s why we’re negotiating on that.’

The chief trade negotiator also said the Philippines is currently expanding its market access to other countries.

This was echoed by Roque: ‘We’re going to, we are actually looking for other markets already, for, actually, all the products of the Philippines, especially those that will be affected.’

However, Marcos pointed out that the Philippines is among the countries with ‘very, very few [Free Trade Agreements] FTAs.’

‘That market access takes time to develop, it’s not gonna happen overnight. In the meantime, exporters are reeling. You can see that many are already losing their jobs. What’s to be done about that?’ the lawmaker said, partly in Filipino. She noted that there are no subsidies in place to assist affected exporters.

To which, Roque quickly replied: ‘We are strengthening also the local market this is also what’s attractive to foreign investments thaht are coming in, aside from strengthening the foreign trade service corps in the DTI offices all over the world.’

Senator Marcos emphasized that market development is a ‘medium to long-term process,’ further pressing the trade officials: ‘What is the immediate solution because the problem is really urgent as thousands are losing their jobs?’

Roque, however, pointed out that Philippine exporters already know what to do despite the headwinds.

‘Sanay na po sila mag-export so we just have to find other markets like Europe,’ Roque said.

She also noted that for long-time exporters, ‘It’s actually easy for you to penetrate other markets.’

The senator described the budget of the country’s Trade department as ‘business as usual.’

‘Konting konti lang ang pinagkaiba nung last year at ngayon. Ano ang gagawin natin? Ang problema ngayon nasaan yung plano kapag nangyari ito [There’s hardly any difference between last year and this year. The problem is, where’s the plan when the worst happens]?’ Marcos said.

No subsidies in budget

As for the subsidies that DTI will provide for exporters, particularly electronics exporters, Gepty said: ‘If you’re referring to funds that will be extended by the government, I’m not aware of that, if there’s any line item.’

In an interview with the BusinessMirror in August, Roque said: ‘No, we don’t have that budget for the industries. But what we have is we’ll be able to do major B2B, major trade missions for them to sell in other countries all over the world. Because we have to bear in mind that the US is not the only market. The world is the market.’

As to the measures that the government will roll out to protect industries that may be affected by the tariffs, Roque told this newspaper: ‘Nothing, because nothing is final yet. Everything is still under negotiation. Everything is like a new update. It’s also hard to rely on these things until we find something that’s really final.’

Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data indicated that in August 2025, or during the month when the 19-percent reciprocal tariff imposed by Washington took effect for the Philippines, exports to the United States contracted 11.2 percent to $1.09 billion from the $1.22 billion recorded in August 2024.

Meanwhile, the Philippines’ shipments bound for Hong Kong soared by 26.4 percent to $1.19 billion in August 2025 from the $942.56 million in August 2024.

For August 2025 alone, this means that Hong Kong is now the Philippines’ top export destination.