By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Bacolod City Councilor Caesar Distrito yesterday said he expects President Rodrigo Duterte to focus on economic policy in today’s State of the Nation Address (SONA).

In an interview with Watchmen Daily Journal, Distrito pointed out, Duterte needs to concentrate on introducing measures and policies that would protect the country from the ongoing trade war between the United States and China.

He explained, economic measures must help people minimize “agony and suffering” due to tax burdens, higher prices, and inflation.

The trade war between the US and China started earlier this month after US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on $34 billion worth of Chinese goods.

China responded by placing similar-sized tariffs on products from the US.

Business analysts in the Philippines have warned the ongoing trade war would have a “major impact” on the country’s exports, particularly on the electronics industry.

Analysts explained, the reason why the country would be affected is because both the US and China are big export destinations.

Duterte is scheduled to deliver the SONA this afternoon./DGB, WDJ