President Marcos meets President Trump at the White House | Photo by Troi Santos
WASHINGTON, DC-President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. concluded a high-profile meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump earlier today, resulting in a finalized trade deal. Under the agreement, the Philippines will face a 19% tariff on its exports to the United States—a slight reduction from the previously proposed 20% rate. In exchange, the Philippines will eliminate all tariffs on U.S. goods imported into the country.
Marcos addressed the tariff reduction, publishing a one percent cut from 20% to 19%, a “significant achievement. He acknowledged that while the concession may appear small, it carries weight in real economic terms. Marcos clarified that the zero-tariff arrangement for U.S. goods applies only to specific sectors, such as automobiles, soy, wheat, and pharmaceuticals.
So far, aides like Assistant Foreign Secretary Raquel Solano haven’t issued separate statements, but Marcos’s remarks suggest the administration views the deal as a strategic compromise. He also noted that the increase from 17% to 20% earlier this year was “internal to the U.S. government,” implying limited Philippine control over the baseline rate.
Before the meeting, Philippine officials had signaled a willingness to offer zero tariffs on select U.S. goods in exchange for a deal. Still, post-meeting statements from the Philippine Embassy or trade officials have been notably absent.
The silence may reflect ongoing internal assessment or strategic messaging decisions, especially given the symbolic nature of a one percent reduction from the previously threatened 20%. Solano had previously stated that the Philippines was working toward a “mutually acceptable and mutually beneficial” agreement, suggesting that more detailed commentary may follow once the full terms are clarified.
After Trump announced a new trade agreement, Marcos was praised by Trump as a “tough negotiator” and “highly respecive leader.”
The two leaders emphasized the Mutual Defense Treaty, with Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirming that the pact covers armed attacks on Philippine forces, including in the South China Sea.
Marcos also met wth Secretary of State Marco Rubio and reiterated the Philippines’ commitment to regional stability and sovereignty.
The president stated that the Philippines maintains an independent foreign policy, aiming to build coalitions with “like-minded nations” that uphold international law. Trump noted that the Philippines had been ” tilting toward China” but claimed his administration ” un-tilted it very, very quickly.”
Marcos was scheduled to meet with U.S. business leaders investing in the Philippines, according to multiple reports. These meetings are part of the broader push to strengthen economic ties and attract foreign investment, especially in sectors as infrastructure, defense, and digital innovation.
Community leaders and migrant advocates in the D.C. area responded swiftly and sharply to the cancellation of MarcosJr Jr.’s meeting with the Filipino-American community. The reaction was overwhelmingly critical.
Over 100 demonstrators gathered outside the White House and Blair House, demanding accountability and visibility for detained and deported Filipinos
Andian Bagoyo, chair of Bayan USA, called the cancellation””inexcusable”” especially amid immigration crackdowns, remittance tax threats, and detentions of Filipino workers.
Protesters vowed to “confront him one last time” before he met with Trump, underscoring the urgency of their demands. Jom Dolor of Migrante USA described it as””insulting”” accusing Marcos of prioritizing trade and defense deals over the well-being of overseas Filipinos.
The cancellation wasn’t just a scheduling issue—it became a flashpoint for broader frustrations about diaspora exclusion and economic justice.
Key demands from advocates include immediate assistance for Filipinos in ICE detention, public acknowledgment of trauma endured by deported workers, and a commitment from the U.S. government to prevent deportations to third countries.
And the inclusion of diaspora voices in trade and immigration policy.
Several moderate Filipino American voices have weighed in with more measured responses to the cancellation of Marcos’s community meeting.
Fr. Leo Almazan, a parish priest in Maryland, expressed disappointment but urged restraint: “We must not confuse exclusion with hostility. Let’s continue to seek dialogue, even when doors close”.
Dr. Mila Santos, a longtime civic educator, said the cancellation was””regrettable but not surprising”” and emphasized the need for””institutional channel”” to engage with visiting officials.
Prof. Benjie Rivera of Rutgers noted that while the cancellation was a missed opportunity,” diaspora influence is built over time—not just through one meeting.” He called for sustained engagement through consulates, media, and policy forums.
Liza G. Manalo, a migration scholar, said the incident” highlights the need for diaspora representation in formal diplomatic protocols,” but cautioned against framing it as a personal snub.
These responses reflect a broader spectrum of diaspora sentiment—one that blends critique with constructive engagement.
After meeting with U.S. investors—including executives from Cerberus, I Squared, KKR, and Bon Secours Mercy Health—the president held a private intelligence briefing with CIA Director John Ratcliffe. This closed-door session focused on regional security, counterterrorism, and maritime intelligence, with a particular emphasis on the South China Sea.
No additional public stops have been confirmed beyond this meeting. Marcos is expected to return to the Philippines shortly to prepare for his State of the Nation Address (SONA) next week, where he’ll likely report on the outcomes of his U.S. visit, including developments in trade, defense, and investment.
