As for a 1% tariff discount, it is what it is, the Philippines have a good relationship with the United States, and i am sure Bongbong isn't confident of going into a trade war with them.
That's true. Not everyone is equipped to fight a war but the problem is that wars don't wait for us to make up our minds. They start by the enemy and after war is declared, we HAVE TO reciprocate and fight it or we lose everything.
That's the problem here, the US regime has already declared an economic war on everyone including Philippines (the Tariff War) and now everyone has to fight it.
One way to fight the war that the enemy started is to impose reciprocation tariffs on imports from USA. But I understand that not every country can do that but they still have other ways such as
diversifying their trade partners. One way to do it is joining BRICS (something Philippines doesn't seem to be interested in) and to isolate US more so that you simply neutralize their tariff war (no exports to US, no tariffs)...
Many are not satisfied with how the deal went thru since US only cut down the tariff to 1% while US get 0% tariff on some of their good that will enter in Philippines market.
What's more intriguing here is Bong Bong Marcos allow US to have ammunition factory and storage facility. Its like they are making the Philippines as stock pile of their bullets and maybe other fire power arms in future.
This is critical decision especially that US and China have a conflict then PH also china have certain issues in west Philippines sea. If it happens a war broke out then Philippines will be in huge trouble.
That's why many people pointing out that Bong Bong is weak leader because he let Trump manipulate him towards the deal they made.