Japan- Philippines: Social security agreement ratified

Japan and France have agreed to boost cooperation on rare earth supply chains to reduce reliance on China. The announcement came during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Japan for talks with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Under the

Japan’s National Diet approved the 2026 tax reform legislation on 31 March 2026, which has been published in the Official Gazette. The measures reflect proposals released in December 2025 and January 2026, covering income, corporate,

The Philippine Information Agency announced that on 25 March 2026, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act No. 12316, authorising the temporary suspension or reduction of excise taxes on petroleum products under specified conditions. The

Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on 13 March 2026 that officials from Japan and the Czech Republic have successfully concluded negotiations and agreed in principle on a new income tax treaty. The agreement was initialled by both parties

The Philippine Senate is considering Senate Bill No. 1935, which was first read on 9 March 2026, proposing an automatic suspension of fuel taxes when global oil prices surge beyond a specific threshold. The bill establishes a clear trigger for

The Philippine Senate is reviewing draft Bill No. SBN-1916, known as the VAT Reduction Act, was introduced on 26 February 2026. The VAT Reduction Act proposes lowering the Value-Added Tax (VAT) in the Philippines from 12% to 10% to align with the