President’s Hall, Malacañan Palace
June 4, 2025
“This visit of Prime Minister Wong demonstrates what we already have known for a long time to be true – the robust ties between the Philippines and Singapore and the steadfast camaraderie between Filipinos and Singaporeans are strong and remain strong,” stated President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during the Joint Leaders’ Statement at the President’s Hall in Malacañan Palace.
In his remarks, President Marcos Jr. outlined key topics discussed during the bilateral meeting, including in-depth follow-up discussions on the outcomes of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Kuala Lumpur, the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and other priority areas of bilateral cooperation that benefit both nations.
The President highlighted Singapore’s swift aid during last year’s typhoon and emphasized the importance of continued investment and collaboration in areas such as climate change mitigation, renewable energy, health and digital transformation.
“Singapore remains one of our country’s most important investors. I expressed my hope that we will remain an important destination for these investments, and that the collaboration of our private sectors, both in the Philippines and in the region, will further deepen and adapt to global developments,” he said.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to regional stability, ASEAN integration and the upholding of international law in the South China Sea.
The Chief Executive also expressed gratitude for Singapore’s efforts in conserving Philippine endemic species, such as the Philippine Eagle, and commended Singapore’s ongoing support for Filipino workers. He congratulated Singapore on its upcoming 60th independence anniversary, noting its impressive development as a model Southeast Asian nation.
For his part, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong reaffirmed Singapore’s strong partnership with the Philippines, emphasizing mutual trust, trade growth and regional cooperation. “Singapore has consistently been one of the top investors in the Philippines and that testifies to the confidence that businesses have in your economy,” he said.
He highlighted expanded efforts in renewable energy, including solar and wind projects, to support ASEAN’s green transition and energy resilience. The two countries also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on carbon credits last August aimed at promoting green investments and technology transfer. They are currently working towards finalizing a legally binding implementation agreement aligned with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of strengthening people-to-people ties, with Singapore appreciating Filipino healthcare workers especially during COVID-19. Both nations are exploring initiatives to support Filipino workers and deepen healthcare cooperation.
Singapore will also assist the Philippines in capacity-building, including digital transformation and leadership development, to advance the Philippine Civil Service Commission’s (CSC) digital transformation agenda. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to ASEAN unity and regional integration, with Singapore supporting the Philippines’ upcoming ASEAN Chairship.
In his concluding remarks, Prime Minister Wong expressed confidence in continued growth under President Marcos Jr., emphasizing shared efforts to foster sustainable development and regional stability.
“We will work shoulder-to-shoulder, side-by-side. And I look forward to partnering President Marcos Jr. to chart the next phase of our bilateral partnership. I am confident that under his leadership, the Singapore-Philippine relations will continue to grow from strength to strength,” Prime Minister Wong said.
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