Manila, July 8 -- Malacanang on Tuesday expressed optimism that the ongoing negotiations between the Philippines and the United States on the paused 17-percent reciprocal tariff on Philippine exports would yield a positive outcome.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Philippine government hopes that the outcome of talks would be "good" for the country and the economy.

"Sa ating palagay, opo (In our opinion, yes)," Castro said in a Palace press briefing, when asked if she believes the Philippines is in a good place on the trade deal negotiations.

"Dahil ang dalawang bansa naman po - ang Pilipinas at ang US - ay nagkaroon po ng pagkakasundo na magkakaroon po ng kooperasyon para sa economic development naman po ng Pilipinas (Becau...