Malacañang eases Taiwan travel restrictions for select officials under new directive

Metro Manila, Philippines - Malacañang has relaxed certain travel restrictions on government officials visiting Taiwan, allowing limited engagements under a new set of guidelines.

Under Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 82, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on April 15, the government clarified the scope of Executive Order (EO) No. 313, issued by President Cory Aquino in 1987, which imposed a broad prohibition on official engagements with Taiwan.

EO 313 set a blanket ban on all government officials from visiting Taiwan or receiving Taiwanese officials without DFA clearance. On the other hand, MC 82 allows space for unofficial economic engagements while maintaining the country's commitment to the One China Policy.

The circular states that only the president, vice president, and Cabinet-level officials from the departments of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and National Defense remain strictly prohibited from traveling to Taiwan or holding official meetings with Taiwanese representatives.

The new directive offers more flexibility for other officials. Those involved in economic, trade, or investment-related activities may now travel to Taiwan provided they use ordinary passports, refrain from using official titles, and coordinate their visits with the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO), a non-government entity that promotes and protects Philippine interests in Taiwan, and performs functions usually carried out by Philippine foreign missions but of a non-political, non-security nature.

Officials must also notify MECO of the purpose of their trip, submit a post-visit report to both MECO and the DFA, and coordinate any planned meetings with Taiwanese delegations at least five days in advance.

MECO will also handle protocol and coordination for visits of Taiwanese delegations to the Philippines for similar purposes.

Malacañang said no agreements, memoranda of understanding, or exchange of notes may be signed with any Taiwanese agency or organization without prior clearance from the DFA and, when necessary, the Office of the President.

The directive took effect immediately.