Manila, April 3 -- Senate President Francis Escudero on Thursday proposed a series of strategic responses to soften the blow of the new 17 percent tariff imposed by the United States on Philippine exports, urging the government to act swiftly to protect the country's economic interests.

During the Kapihan sa Senado forum, Escudero called on the country's economic managers to consider immediate amendments to the tariff and customs code and explore options such as currency devaluation and market diversification.

"The President has the authority to amend our tariff and customs code while Congress is in recess. This power must be exercised to respond promptly and decisively to this challenge," he said.

Escudero warned that failure to act c...