San juan city: The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is formulating measures to address the effects of the 19 percent tariff to be imposed by the US government on Philippine-made products. "We are formulating measures because we are also anticipating it (possible impact). As we implement our programs, we also continue to observe any movement," Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said on the sidelines of the 2025 Post-State of the Nation Address (SONA) discussions in San Juan City on Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the discussions related to trade and industry highlight the impact on workers and investors. Laguesma emphasized that it is not only the workers who will be affected but also the investors. The labor and employment plan includes projections on job creation and potential losses. The tariff's impact is expected to be particularly significant for those engaged in the manufacturing sector.

Laguesma pointed out that the Adjustment Measures Program (AMP) is in place to guide small businesses that will be affected by the tariff. The implementation of the tariff will affect the costs of shipment of products, making other countries with lower tariffs more competitive, especially those with access to the supply chain of materials.

The announcement of the tariff comes after US President Donald Trump declared a 19 percent tariff rate on goods from the Philippines, which is slightly lower than the 20 percent initially announced.