Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 15) — The suggestion of Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri to boycott Chinese goods should be carefully studied given its possible impact on the local economy, Senator Francis Escudero said Tuesday.
Speaking to CNN Philippines’ The Source, Escudero said 17% of the country’s exports go to China, while 33% of Manila’s imports come from the east Asian giant.
If Beijing decides to stop supplying cheaper products and closes its doors on Philippine-made items, only Manila will feel the impact, he noted.
“Sa parte ng China, wala pang dalawang porsyento ang kanilang ine-export sa Pilipinas at wala pang isang porsyento ang kanilang ini-import sa Pilipinas sa kabuuang importation nila… ‘di naman sila maapektuhan,” Escudero said.
[Translation: On China’s part, their exports to the Philippines are not even 2% and their imports from the Philippines are not even 1% of their total importation. They will not be affected.]
The senator said it is important to separate matters of agreement from those that have conflicts.
Escudero said voices on foreign policy should be reserved for the president and foreign affairs secretary, while agencies concerned with maritime security should defer issuing comments to avoid confusion and conflicting policies.
The lawmaker issued the statement after Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said China’s firing of water cannon against Manila’s vessels during a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal was “short of declaring war.”
