MANILA, Philippines – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Republic of China (Taiwan) expressed appreciation for what it called a “pragmatic step” to promote bilateral relations between Taiwan and the Philippines, particularly in the areas of economic, trade and investment relations.
In a statement by MOFA, shared by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines (TECO), it cited Memorandum Circular No. 82, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, declaring that the Philippine government would “relax” certain restrictions on interactions with Taiwan.
“Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung affirms the Philippine government’s pragmatic step to promote bilateral relations, expressing his belief that new regulations will help Taiwan continue to deepen substantive cooperation with the Philippines under the policy of integrated diplomacy,” the MOFA statement read.
Further, Taiwan is the Philippines’ eight-largest export market, ninth-largest trading partner, and 10th-largest source of imports, highlighting the importance of the bilateral relations on trade and investment, MOFA stressed.
“As Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has emphasized repeatedly, peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are a priority, while peace, security, and stability are the concern of all nations. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue to work with democratic allies such as the Philippines to jointly contribute to regional prosperity, peace, and stability,” Taiwan’s MOFA added.
According to Memorandum Circular No. 82, signed on 15 April and published by the Official Gazette, Philippine government officials — except for the President, Vice President, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, and Secretary of National Defense — are now allowed to travel to Taiwan for economic, trade, and investment promotion.
Under the updated guidelines, such officials must use ordinary passports, refrain from using official titles and should closely coordinate with the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) in Taipei.
Philippine agencies are also now allowed – through MECO – to receive delegations from Taiwan, as long as MECO is informed at least five days in advance, with a post-visit report to be submitted after the event.
However, according to the document, no agreements or memoranda may be signed between Taiwan and Philippine organizations or agencies without clearance from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and if necessary, approval from the Office of the President.
