The Philippine government eased previous restrictions on government officials visiting Taiwan for economic, trade, and investment-related purposes.

Memorandum Circular No. 82, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on April 15, also allows for the reception of Taiwanese officials visiting the Philippines and further prescribes the guidelines for the implementation of Executive Order No. 313 (S. 1987). This order prohibits Philippine government officials from visiting Taiwan and from receiving Taiwanese officials in the Philippines.

The Philippines does not maintain official diplomatic relations with Taiwan, a self-governing democratic island that has been politically separate from mainland China since 1949.

MC No. 82 relaxed restrictions on travel to Taiwan, but contact with representatives of Taiwan shall strictly apply to the President, Vice President, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, and Secretary of National Defense.

The memorandum also stated that Philippine government officials intending to visit Taiwan for economic, trade, and investment purposes shall travel using their ordinary passports and without using their official title.

Additionally, they are required to notify the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) of the purpose of their visit before departure, as well as coordinate with MECO throughout their stay in Taiwan.

No official of the Philippine government may receive Taiwanese officials visiting the Philippines.

While there shall be no official activity relating to Taiwan carried out “without the clearance of the Department of Foreign Affairs.”

The new memorandum also indicated that Philippine government officials traveling to Taiwan “for economic, trade, and investment purposes shall submit to MECO and DFA a report on their travel.”

Through MECO, they may also receive delegations from Taiwan for economic, trade, and investment purposes.

No agreements, memoranda of understanding, exchange of notes, or similar documents shall be concluded with any Taiwanese organization or agency without clearance from the DFA and, as may be necessary, an authority to sign from the Office of the President.

MECO is currently led by Atty. Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil, the former chief of the Presidential Communications Office.