1. Concern Over Unilateral Tariff Measures

The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) expresses grave concern regarding the United States’ imposition of additional punitive tariffs on Philippine exports. Such unilateral measures violate fundamental WTO principles of non-discrimination and fair trade, threatening to: 

Disrupt carefully developed supply chains 

Harm businesses and consumers in both nations 

Undermine the rules-based global trading system 

Set dangerous precedents for economic fragmentation 

FFCCCII support efforts by the government to use diplomacy to negotiate fairness and to protect Philippine national interests and our economy.

2. Protection for Philippine Industries

We urgently call for: 

• Strict enforcement of anti-dumping regulations against flood of unfairly priced imports 

• Comprehensive measures to combat smuggling 

• Support mechanisms for affected agricultural and manufacturing sectors 

Our domestic industries require and deserve a level playing field in global markets. Protect our workers and farmers.

3. The Constructive Path Forward

Rather than counterproductive tariffs, we propose: 

Immediate bilateral consultations to resolve trade concerns 

Accelerated negotiations for a U.S.-Philippines Free Trade Agreement 

Strengthened multilateral engagement through WTO mechanisms 

Cooperative solutions that promote stability and shared prosperity      

The FFCCCII remains committed to advocating for fair trade practices and sustainable economic partnerships that benefit all stakeholders. 

DE LIMA SEEKS PROBE ON GOV’T UNPAID HOSPITAL CLAIMS TO PROTECT RIGHTS OF PATIENTS TO MEDICAL CARE

Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Partylist Rep. Leila M. de Lima filed a measure on the unpaid claims in several private hospitals which resulted in their decision to temporarily suspend accepting guarantee letters under the Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP).

De Lima filed House Resolution No. 46 after the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc. (PHAPI) recently disclosed that 43 hospitals in Batangas have been awaiting payment for claims amounting to over P530 million, including one with receivables as high as P94 million.

“This has been a perennial  issue that should urgently be addressed once and for all. It burdens patients and their families with additional fear if they could get assistance from the government in medical expenses. Nangangamba na sila sa sakit, nangangamba pa sila sa mataas na gastusin sa ospital, ” De Lima, a known human rights and social justice champion, said.

“We need to get to the bottom of this to protect the rights of patients and their families, and ensure that the government fulfill its duty to pay its obligation to hospitals and clinics over unsettled bills,” she added.

In filing House Resolution (HR) No. 46, De Lima stressed that the government should provide and implement clear mechanisms, including speedy and inexpensive remedies to promptly settle unpaid claims in hospitals that affect their ability to render quality and efficient healthcare services, which result in closures, and hospitals stopping to accept guarantee letters from indigent patients.

According to the solon from Bicol, the said measure seeks to determine existing government programs and funds in providing assistance to indigent patients and their families on hospital expenses, as well as the rights of hospitals and clinics over unsettled bills.

Moreover, the inquiry should cover the existing government policies regarding payment of unsettled hospital bills and identify any gaps that cause delay in payment to expeditiously address them.

In her filed House Resolution, De Lima also recalled the unpaid claims by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) despite having hundreds of billions of available funds, which led to closures of some hospitals.

“These unpaid debts affect hospitals’ financial stability and operating expenses, including salaries for healthcare professionals and staff. Nakakabahala ito dahil apektado nito ang kanilang operasyon at serbisyo. Paano natin matutupad ang layunin ng Universal Health Care Law kung paulit-ulit na lang ang ganitong problema?” De Lima stressed.

“Filipinos’ right to access urgent medical care should not be denied just because they cannot afford to pay hospital bills, or because of the lack of trust of private hospitals that the government will pay them,” she added.

MAIFIP is a program under the Department of Health (DOH) which provides financial assistance to indigent Filipinos on healthcare expenses. Under the 2025 National Budget, P41.15 billion has been allocated for the said program.