The Philippine government has issued a new memorandum easing long-standing restrictions on economic engagement with Taiwan, enabling officials to visit the territory for trade and investment purposes under a defined set of guidelines.
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.
These officials must use ordinary passports, refrain from using official titles, and coordinate with the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) in Taipei.
The circular clarifies and supplements Executive Order No. 313, which has been in effect since 1987, and which previously restricted government-to-government interactions with Taiwan.
Under the updated guidelines, any Philippine official intending to travel to Taiwan for the purposes allowed must notify MECO prior to departure and maintain coordination throughout the visit. A written report is also required to be submitted to both MECO and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) upon return.
Philippine agencies are also now authorized — through MECO — to receive delegations from Taiwan, provided that MECO is informed at least five days in advance and that a post-visit report is submitted.
However, no agreements or memoranda may be signed with Taiwanese organizations or agencies without clearance from the DFA and, when necessary, approval from the Office of the President.
The memorandum aims to “further maximize opportunities for the development and expansion of the Philippines’ priority areas of investments,” particularly in industries aligned with economic growth and regional development.