Senate Foreign Relations Committee Vice-Chairperson Senator Erwin Tulfo, alongside Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform Senator Kiko Pangilinan are proposing to the Japanese government the removal of tariffs on Philippine-made Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs), fruits, and other agricultural products to strengthen bilateral economic relations between the two countries.
Tulfo made the proposal during the Philippine senators’ parliamentary visit to the Japanese Senate as part of the celebration of the 70th anniversary of Philippines-Japan Friendship.
“With the emergence of new products from the Philippine tobacco industry and the increasing demand for them in Japan, we are respectfully asking the Japanese government to consider our proposal to exempt Philippine-made HTPs from tariffs,” the legislator said.
The appeal for zero tariffs aims to further strengthen the Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (PJEPA).
The appeal for zero tariffs aims to further strengthen the Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (PJEPA), which was signed in 2008 to eliminate or reduce tariffs on more than 90% of goods traded between the two Asian nations.
Since HTPs and other agricultural products were not yet contemplated when the trade agreement was negotiated in 2008, the lawmaker appealed to the Japanese government to impose zero tariffs on Philippine-made HTPs, thereby leveling the playing field with similar products from the European Union.
“This will not only ensure a steady supply to our Asian neighbors but will also strengthen the Philippine manufacturing, agriculture, and export industries.”
“This will not only ensure a steady supply to our Asian neighbors but will also strengthen the Philippine manufacturing, agriculture, and export industries, ultimately boosting the country’s economy and generating jobs,” the senator emphasized.
Tulfo has been in Japan as one of the delegates to the Philippine Senate’s parliamentary visit to the Japanese Senate, along with Senate President Win Gatchalian, Majority Leader Migz Zubiri, and Senators Lito Lapid, Raffy Tulfo, JV Ejercito, and Kiko Pangilinan.
On first day of the official visit, the delegation has fulfilled various significant meetings including courtesy visits to Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae, former Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, Japanese Senate President Sekiguchi Masakazu, and other Japanese senators, as well as House of Representatives Speaker Mori Eisuke.
The official visit also includes meetings with the Sasakawa Peace foundation where Tulfo expressed his gratitude for its unending support to the Philippines, especially during calamities, Japan-ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Exchange Group, the Japan International Cooperation Agency, and the Japan-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship League.
Prior to this trip, Japanese senators led by Senate Vice President Fukuyama Tetsuro visited their Filipino counterparts at the Philippine Senate in Pasay City last September 16, 2026.
