Manila, April 15 -- Senate Majority Leader Francis "Tol" Tolentino has proposed the creation of a National Trade Commission to help the Philippines respond to the economic challenges and opportunities arising from the United States' newly announced tariff regime.

In a news release on Tuesday, Tolentino said the proposed expert panel would be tasked to study the implications of the U.S. policy shift, particularly the 17-percent tariff affecting Philippine exports like electronics and agricultural goods.

He said the body would also draft policy recommendations for the President and Congress.

"The 17 percent tariff imposed on our products would certainly have an immediate impact, particularly on electronics and agriculture," Tolentino sai...