PH, Cambodia to sign 3 pacts during Marcos' State Visit
Published Sep 5, 2025 02:55 pm
At A Glance
- Escalona said the agreements are among the expected highlights of the visit, which runs from Sept. 7 to 9.
Three major agreements are expected to be signed during President Marcos’ state visit to Cambodia next week, focusing on combating transnational crimes, strengthening higher education ties, and expanding air services between the two countries.
File/Canva photos
In a pre-departure briefing in Malacañan, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Spokesperson Angelica Escalona said the agreements are among the expected highlights of the visit, which runs from Sept. 7 to 9.
“The visit is expected to result in agreements and initiatives that will expand cooperation and bring tangible benefits to both Filipinos and Cambodians,” she said.
“There are agreements on combating transnational crimes, higher education, and air services. So far, three po,” she added.
Strengthening ties
President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos will be received by Senate President Hun Sen, on behalf of King Norodom Sihamoni, before holding meetings with Prime Minister Hun Manet.
Escalona said the visit underscores three main objectives: expanding trade and economic relations, reinforcing cooperation against transnational crimes, and seeking Cambodia’s support for the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship in 2026.
“It will further affirm the Philippines' dedication to advancing its bilateral interests and connectivity with Cambodia,” she added.
Protecting Filipinos abroad
The DFA official confirmed that issues involving Filipinos in Cambodia will be part of the bilateral agenda, particularly cases linked to scam hubs, undocumented workers, and surrogacy.
“Yes. Because these are important to the Philippines, we expect those issues to be discussed during the President’s bilateral meetings,” Escalona said.
“I cannot share the details of the agreement at the moment, but yes, we expect that various forms of transnational crimes will be discussed,” she added.
She noted that earlier this year, Filipinas jailed in Cambodia for a surrogacy scheme had already been pardoned. However, Escalona acknowledged persistent problems involving human trafficking and scam operations across mainland Southeast Asia.
“There is an increase [in trafficking cases] for all of mainland Southeast Asia, not only Cambodia. So this is really important for the Philippines, and we do expect this issue to be discussed,” she added.
Escalona said there are 7,500 Filipinos in Cambodia, most are professionals working in education and service industries.
Economic and trade prospects
During his visit, Marcos will also hold a roundtable meeting with business leaders, with the Philippines hoping to boost exports of food, beverages, and pharmaceutical products, as well as expand the presence of Filipino franchises in Cambodia.
Escalona said the Philippines also expects growth in tourism flows between the two countries.
“In general, we just want to see more Filipino products in our fellow ASEAN countries,” she said.
“And we hope to have more Cambodian tourists coming to the Philippines and more Filipino tourists going to Cambodia,” she added.
Escalona likewise said that the Philippines is looking at possible investments but refused to share further details.
First State Visit in 9 years
Escalona described the trip as “very important,” noting that Marcos’ visit reaffirms Manila’s commitment to regional integration and cooperation.
The President will also meet the Filipino community in Phnom Penh to recognize their contributions to both Philippine and Cambodian societies.
Joining the First Couple in this trip are Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr., Trade Secretary Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Shirley Agrupis, and Communications Acting Secretary Dave Gomez.