MANILA -- Shockwaves from the March 11 earthquake in Japan might be felt in the Philippines as electronics manufacturers there export large percentage of their production to Japan.

The nation's Trade Undersecretary, Cristino Panlilio, went so far as to suggest layoffs would be possible if the situation worsens, local papers are reporting.

Japan imported about $6.2 billion worth of Filipino-made electronics last year, good for about 20% of the local electronics exports. Moreover, the Philippines relies on Japan for imports of raw materials, semiconductors, printed circuit boards and other components.