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The Philippines and Singapore have concluded negotiations to update their 1977 double taxation agreement
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The updated treaty is intended to provide clearer and more predictable tax rules for cross-border income and strengthen cooperation between the two tax authorities
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Finance secretary Frederick Go said the renegotiation will support investment and economic growth while protecting the Philippines’ taxing rights
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The update reflects changes in the economies of both countries and developments in the international tax environment
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Separately, the Department of Finance welcomed the Senate’s concurrence in the Philippines-Cambodia DTA, bringing that agreement closer to entry into force
The Philippines and Singapore have concluded negotiations to update their 1977 double taxation agreement (DTA), seeking to establish a more modern tax framework for cross-border economic activities between the two countries.
The updated agreement, following negotiations held in Singapore from September 22 to 25, is intended to provide clearer and more predictable tax rules for cross-border income, strengthen cooperation between tax authorities and ensure appropriate taxation between the two countries.
“The Philippines is committed to strengthening tax cooperation across the region. 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 renegotiation updates the tax treaty originally concluded in 1977 to reflect changes in the economies of the Philippines and Singapore, as well as developments in international taxation.
The update comes amid growing economic ties between the two countries, with cross-border flows of professionals, workers, businesses, capital, technology and services supporting bilateral economic activity.
The Department of Finance (DOF) said the renegotiation forms part of its efforts to modernize the Philippines’ network of tax treaties with ASEAN member states and ensure that existing agreements remain responsive to current economic conditions and international tax developments.
The Philippine negotiating team was led by DOF revenue operations group assistant secretary Euvimil Nina Asuncion. Members included assistant secretary Dakila Elteen Napao, Bureau of Internal Revenue deputy commissioner for the legal group Larry Barcelo, and Atty. Robbie Bañaga of the international tax affairs division.
The Singapore delegation was led by international tax and relations division of the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore assistant commissioner Angela Ang. Members included ITaRD tax director Gordon Cheong, group tax specialist Wee Ling Chew, and senior tax specialist Rebecca Ng.
PH-Cambodia tax treaty
Separately, the DOF welcomed the Senate’s concurrence in the Philippines-Cambodia DTA, which was signed in February 2025.
The concurrence moves the agreement closer to entry into force.
Once effective, the Philippines-Cambodia DTA 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 environment for bilateral trade and investment and support the Philippines’ efforts to deepen tax cooperation within ASEAN.
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