Philippines, Singapore finish talks on updating double-taxation treaty
The negotiations covered an August 1977 agreement, with the Philippine finance department saying the update aims to clarify cross-border tax rules.
Negotiators from the Philippines and Singapore finished talks on revising their income-tax treaty during meetings in Singapore on September 22–25, 2026, the Philippine Department of Finance said in an October 2 statement. The agreement, dating from August 1977, addresses double taxation and fiscal evasion.
The department said the revisions are intended to account for changes in both economies and international taxation. It expects the updated framework to make taxation of cross-border income more predictable, improve cooperation among tax authorities and promote fair taxation between the countries.
Finance Secretary Frederick Go said the renegotiation would support investment and economic growth while safeguarding the Philippines’ taxing rights. The department described Singapore as an important trade and investment partner and said flows of workers, professionals, businesses, capital, technology and services support economic activity.
The negotiations are part of Philippine efforts to modernise tax agreements with ASEAN members, according to the department. The Philippine delegation was headed by Finance Assistant Secretary Euvimil Nina Asuncion, while Angela Ang, an assistant commissioner at the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore, led Singapore’s team.
