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Helen Flores - The Philippine Star
February 12, 2025 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos personally conveyed his gratitude to the Cambodian government for granting royal pardon to 13 Filipino surrogates, during his meeting with Prime Minister Hun Manet at Malacañang yesterday.
The Cambodian leader and his delegation arrived in the country on Monday for a two-day official visit.
“Finally, let me take this opportunity to once again express my gratitude to His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni for the grant of royal pardon to 13 Filipino surrogates, and to your government for the assistance given to them during their time in Cambodia,” Marcos said during a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister.
“We will never forget this act of magnanimity from His Majesty, a testament to the strong relations between our two countries,” Marcos said.
He said the Philippines would continue to work with Cambodia in the fight against transnational crimes.
The Filipino women were convicted on Dec. 2 by a Cambodian court for violating the country’s law on the Suppression of Human Trafficking and were sentenced to four years in prison. They returned to the country on Dec. 26.
“We thank the Cambodian government for ensuring their safety and their well-being,” Marcos said during a joint press conference with Hun Manet.
Marcos and the Prime Minister also witnessed the presentation of signed agreements, including one on preventing double taxation.
Under the agreement, both countries agree to mitigate the burden of double taxation on individuals and businesses operating across borders, which may contribute to the elimination of barriers to trade and investment and encourage cross-border economic activities.
The deal encompasses taxation of income earned by citizens and residents of the Philippines and Cambodia.
The two countries also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the Implementation of Competition Law to boost inbound investments and promote a business-friendly environment.
An MOU on Agricultural and Agribusiness Cooperation was also inked between the two Southeast Asian nations, covering agricultural planning and further enhancing international trade and agribusiness investments between the two countries.
Also signed was a deal on cooperation in the field of technical-vocational education and training and agreed on the Implementation Program for Tourism for 2024-2028.
The two countries also entered into a formal collaboration on Information and Communications Technology and government digital transformation through exchanges of expertise and training.
Manila and Phnom Penh also signed an MOU on Prevention of Looting and Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Properties.
Deepening ties
Marcos said he discussed with his Cambodian counterpart ways to maximize the countries’ cooperation and explore new opportunities to deepen their bilateral ties.
They also exchanged views on matters relating to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and “other regional issues.”
“We also discussed comprehensively our determined efforts to combat transnational crimes and protect our communities from unscrupulous individuals who take advantage of the industrious nature and strong sense of family of our peoples,” Marcos said.
Marcos said he is “pleased” with the growing partnership between the two nations’ militaries and uniformed services.
“I anticipate the continued exchange of best practices and knowledge to support our mutual aspiration for regional peace and security and our collaborative efforts in enhancing our resiliency,” he said.
In his remarks, Hun said Cambodia and the Philippines “are committed to taking our cooperations to new heights.”
“We are identifying new opportunities to boost trade and investment flows in agriculture. Cambodia stands ready to contribute to the Philippine food security through rice supply as well as many other food products,” he said.
“Tourism and connectivity are crucial for promoting people-to-people exchange. I invited through President Marcos the Philippine carriers to explore additional routes to support these initiatives,” he said.
On Monday, the Prime Minister spoke at the Philippines-Cambodia Business Forum in Manila.
“I am confident that through this engagement, we will see more Filipinos investing in Cambodia, and more Cambodians investing in the Philippines,” Marcos said at the joint press conference.
