Philippine officials can now visit Taiwan for economic purposes

The Philippine government has eased regulations on visits between its officials and those from Taiwan for economic, trade, and investment purposes.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed Memorandum Circular No. 82, which allows government officials to travel to Taiwan using ordinary passports without their official titles.

Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the decision, noting it signals more 'substantive' cooperation with Manila, highlighting its role as the Philippines' eighth-largest export market and ninth-largest trading partner.

Under MC No. 82, certain high-ranking officials like the President and Secretary of Foreign Affairs are still restricted from visiting Taiwan or receiving Taiwanese officials.

Officials traveling to Taiwan must inform MECO (Office of Presidential Adviser on National Security) before departure and coordinate with them during their visit.

Taiwan Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung expressed confidence in Taipei-Manila ties, describing the new regulations as a 'pragmatic step' that would allow Taiwan to deepen substantive cooperation with the Philippines.