Tariff cut extension can ease economic pressure

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s decision to extend temporary tariff reductions on imported pork, rice, corn and coal was perhaps a choice that he and the country would rather he did not have to make, but it was a good call. In fact, it was the only choice the President could make, under the circumstances. The other option, letting the tariff cuts expire and increasing the level of protectionism for our faltering agriculture sector would guarantee further supply and price pressures, whereas extending the lower tariffs at least offers the prospect of lessening the burden on Filipino consumers.