THE Philippines and Singapore have concluded negotiations to update their tax treaty, with the revised framework expected to provide clearer rules for cross-border income and support investment and economic activity between the two countries.
Four-day negotiations were held in Singapore from Sept. 22 to 25, marking a step toward modernizing the Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) between the two countries.
“The renegotiation of the DTA will help modernize our tax framework to support investment and economic growth while protecting our legitimate taxing rights,” Finance Secretary Frederick Go said in a statement.
The existing tax treaty was originally concluded in 1977 and is being updated to reflect changes in the economies of both countries and developments in the international tax landscape.
The renegotiated agreement is expected to establish clearer and more predictable tax rules for cross-border income, strengthen cooperation between tax authorities, and promote fair taxation between the Philippines and Singapore, the DOF said.
The talks come amid growing economic ties between the two countries, including the movement of professionals, workers, businesses, capital, technology and services.
For the Philippines, the renegotiation forms part of the Finance department’s efforts to modernize its network of tax treaties with Association of Southeast Asian Nation (Asean) member states and align them with current economic and international taxation developments.
Meanwhile, the department also welcomed the Senate’s concurrence in the Philippines-Cambodia DTA, which was signed in February 2025.
The concurrence brings the Philippines-Cambodia agreement closer to entry into force. Once effective, the treaty will establish tax rules between the two countries, help prevent double taxation, and strengthen cooperation against tax evasion and avoidance.
The agreement is also expected to provide a more predictable tax framework for bilateral trade and investment, and support the Philippines’ efforts to deepen tax cooperation within Asean.
NAZYLEN JOY MABANGLO
