Malacanang said the government is bracing for possible outcomes of its negotiations to reduce the duties slapped by the US on Philippine goods as a July 9 deadline nears.

In a press briefing Wednesday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said talks between the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the US Trade Representative (USTR) are ongoing.

However, she reiterated they cannot disclose any details about the discussions since they are covered by the country's confidentiality agreement with the US.

"But we can expect that whatever the solution or rather resolution here will be, it will be for the good of our people," Castro said in Filipino.

The US has increased tariff rates to 17 percent from 10 percent in April. US President Donald Trump has given a 90-day suspension for tariffs higher than 10 percent on all its trade partners except China.

"Whatever happens in these [talks], the country needs to be prepared [for its results]. That is why our President, [and] the economic team is always studying about this," she added.

Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go said DTI will also try to secure a free trade agreement with the US. DMS