The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) is urging the Philippine government to implement immediate and decisive reforms to protect the economy from escalating global trade protectionism.
The FFCCCII, led by president Victor Lim, raised concerns about rising tariffs and trade wars, which it said are “roiling international markets.”
Following a dialogue with Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Aldeguer Roque, the federation welcomed government support for the private sector but stressed the need for proactive measures.
The group lauded the DTI’s recent anti-dumping actions to safeguard the Philippine cement industry and called for similar protections for other vulnerable domestic manufacturing sectors facing “aggressive, low-priced imports.”
“The reckless tariff policies of major economies — particularly the U.S. and reactive countermeasures by China — have shattered the World Trade Organization (WTO) rules order, leaving smaller nations like the Philippines exposed to severe economic disruptions,” Lim said. “We must respond with urgency, innovation, and unwavering resolve to shield our Philippine industries from collapse.”
The FFCCCII recommended several strategies for the DTI, Tariff Commission, and related agencies such as emergency safeguard measures and anti-dumping duties for domestic manufacturing sectors affected by cheap imported products; aggressive export marketing and diversification, prioritizing ASEAN, Asian, and RCEP markets to mitigate Western volatility; and rapid industrial modernization, leveraging automation, research and development (R&D), and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to enhance competitiveness.”
These are extraordinary, abnormal times, thus we cannot rely on outdated playbooks; in fact, we need decisive extraordinary measures,” Lim said. “The Philippines must adopt strategic, even unconventional, measures to ensure our economic sovereignty and continued growth.”
While commending legislative achievements like the CREATE More Law and 99-Year Lease Law, the FFCCCII called for further reforms, including slashing bureaucratic red tape to accelerate business resilience and boost investments; forging new trade partnerships with emerging markets in the Global South (Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East); and deepening public-private cooperation to combat inflation, unemployment, and poverty.
The FFCCCII reiterated its commitment to broad-based prosperity, emphasizing that economic policies must benefit all Filipinos. “True progress uplifts every citizen — workers, farmers, and entrepreneurs alike,” Lim said.
The federation pledged to catalyze investments in manufacturing, renewable energy, technology, and agriculture; lead multisectoral poverty alleviation through supporting education, health care, and job creation initiatives; and amplify philanthropic efforts to complement government social welfare programs.”
Indecision or any delay is not an option. If we falter in preparing for and responding to the ongoing global tariffs chaos, industries will fail. If we delay, the economy will falter. But if we act with courage, strategic dexterity and unity, the Philippines can not only survive this crisis — we can actually even emerge stronger,” Lim said.
The FFCCCII also urged the government, businesses, labor, and civil society to treat the situation as a national economic emergency, calling for unprecedented collaboration to secure the nation’s future.