Double taxation agreement with Cambodia to improve PH tax system

By Anna Leah Gonzales, Philippine News Agency

The signing was witnessed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet. (PCO photo)

MANILA – Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said Thursday the recently signed double taxation agreement (DTA) with Cambodia would help improve the integrity of the Philippine tax system.

“By eliminating tax barriers and ensuring a fair and transparent framework, we are not only attracting greater foreign investments into the Philippines but also reinforcing our trade ties within the region. This will position us as a strong and reliable economic partner,” Recto said.

The DTA was signed by Recto and Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn on Feb. 11, 2025.

The signing was witnessed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet.

The DTA aims to eliminate double taxation on income earned in the Philippines and Cambodia, prevent tax evasion, and enhance economic cooperation, in line with commitments under the ASEAN Forum on Taxation.

It is expected to reduce fiscal barriers and stimulate bilateral trade and investment, contributing to stronger economic ties between the two nations.

The agreement covers various aspects of taxation, including income from business profits, dividends, interests, royalties, capital gains, and other sources of revenue, ensuring a fair and efficient tax framework for businesses and individuals operating in both jurisdictions.

It also includes the exchange of tax information and dispute resolution mechanisms in line with the Anti-Base Erosion and Profit Shifting and tax transparency initiatives and standards.

The agreement was finalized following three rounds of negotiations between the two countries.

The third and final round was completed in Manila in April 2024.

The agreement is set to take effect following ratification by the respective legislative bodies in the Philippines and Cambodia.

The signing of the DTA was part of Prime Minister Hun Manet’s two-day official visit to the Philippines on Feb. 10 to 11, 2025 to strengthen both nations’ relations and advance collaborations in key sectors as well as regional and multilateral cooperation.

Recto served as Marcos’ Cabinet-Secretary-in-Attendance during the official visit.

Marcos earlier cited the importance of the DTA.

“[W]e welcome our formal cooperation on the avoidance of double taxation and the exchange of best practices in competition law that the Philippines and Cambodia both consider as critical to entice and facilitate greater bilateral investments and economic activities between our business sectors,” Marcos said during the signing.