Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero advised the Philippine government on Sunday to anticipate and prepare for potential policy changes under U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s new term. Escudero warned that Trump’s plans could have significant economic and security implications for the Philippines.
“Trump is a major macroeconomic assumption—from trade to security to immigration. Some actions he’s proposed for his first day in office could impact us directly,” Escudero explained.
Trump’s proposed mass deportations could affect roughly 300,000 Filipinos in the U.S., Escudero noted, highlighting the logistical challenge of transporting even 1% of that population. Data from GMA Integrated News Research showed there are currently 4.6 million Filipinos in the U.S., with around 350,000 estimated to be undocumented, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Escudero also expressed concern over Trump’s plans to impose high tariffs on imports, which could impact the Philippine economy, as trade with the U.S. accounts for a significant portion of the country’s export earnings. “Almost $1 in every $7 of our export revenue comes from U.S. trade. High tariffs could affect this balance,” he said.
The senator also warned about the impact of a stronger dollar under Trump, which could devalue the Philippine peso, increasing the country’s foreign debt burden.
On the diplomatic front, Escudero raised questions about whether Trump would take a softer or more aggressive stance on China, advising the Philippines to be prepared for potential changes in U.S. foreign policy. He noted that any policy shift could influence the country’s defense strategy, especially after strengthened military ties with the U.S. under the Biden administration.
While Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel “Babes” Romualdez expressed confidence that the U.S. would maintain its stance on Indo-Pacific stability, Escudero emphasized the importance of preparing for all possible scenarios.