The Supreme Court of the Philippines (SCP) and the Supreme Court of Singapore signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to facilitate communication in cross-border insolvency proceedings on 14 November 2025, on the sidelines of the 12th Meeting of the Council of ASEAN Chief Justices.
The signing, led by SCP Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa, marks a significant milestone in judicial cooperation between the two countries. The agreement formalizes collaboration between the two judiciaries and highlights a shared commitment to ensuring that justice remains accessible and responsive even when disputes extend across borders.
The MOU enables better coordination and communication in handling insolvency and restructuring cases between both jurisdictions. It seeks to improve the efficiency and timeliness of transnational insolvency proceedings, ensuring that cases involving both the Philippines and Singapore are managed more easily and effectively. By fostering closer judicial cooperation, the agreement strengthens the legal framework that supports international commerce and financial stability and aligns both jurisdictions with global best practices in insolvency and restructuring.
In his remarks, Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo said the signing of the MOU “signifies the meeting of two judiciaries, two legal traditions, and two nations united in the shared conviction that the pursuit of justice must transcend borders.” He emphasized that in a globalized world, jurisdictional boundaries can become barriers to dispute resolution, making cross-border collaboration increasingly vital.
Through the agreement, Gesmundo said, the Philippines and Singapore take a significant step toward greater alignment, transparency, and communication in handling cross-border insolvency matters, strengthening mutual trust and promoting a stable and predictable environment for commerce and investment.
He added: “Beyond the technicalities of law, this initiative speaks to something deeper: the belief that the rule of law is strongest when it is exercised in solidarity. When courts collaborate across jurisdictions, we affirm that justice is not a parochial pursuit, but a universal calling – one that binds nations in the service of fairness and order.”