Bilateral relations between the Philippines and Brunei Darussalam may be described as historically close, fraternal, and excellent. Political, economic, military, and socio-cultural ties have continued to vigorously expand in recent years.
Full diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Brunei were established in 01 January 1984 when the Philippine Consulate General in Bandar Seri Begawan was elevated to an Embassy, and the Embassy of Brunei Darussalam was subsequently opened in Makati City.
The Philippines’ current Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam is H.E. Christopher B. Monteroe, who assumed his tour of duty on 27 May 2019. On the other hand, Brunei’s Ambassador to the Philippines is H.E. Hajah Johariah binti Haji Abdul Wahab, who assumed her post as Head of Mission on 06 November 2016.
Opportunities for closer relations arise from the deepening of friendship and goodwill between His Majesty the Sultan and Filipino Presidents, the active exchange of visits among government officials, greater economic and business cooperation, increased cooperation in security and regional issues and active participation in ASEAN, BIMP-EAGA, APEC, and other regional and international fora.
Recent exchanges of high-level visits between the Philippines and Brunei include the following: 1) State Visit of former President Benigno S. Aquino III to Brunei Darussalam on 01-02 June 2011; 2) Official Visits of President Aquino to Brunei to attend the 22nd and 23rd ASEAN Summits and Related Summits on 24-25 April 2013 and 09–10 October 2013, respectively; 3) State Visit of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah to the Philippines on 15-16 April 2013; 4) State Visit of H.E. President Rodrigo R. Duterte to Brunei Darussalam on 16–18 October 2016; 5) State Visit of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah to the Philippines on 26-27 April 2017, followed by His Majesty’s attendance in the 30th ASEAN Summit on 28-29 April 2017; and the 6) Visit of President Duterte to Brunei Darussalam to attend the Golden Jubilee Celebration of the Accession to the Throne of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah on 05-06 October 2017.
Bilateral Consultative Mechanism
The Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) is a mechanism for the two countries to monitor and evaluate the progress of implementing various aspects of cooperation, particularly agreements, and, where necessary, resolve outstanding issues.
The Philippines-Brunei Darussalam Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) met twice. The first meeting was held on 31 January 2004 in Manila while the second meeting was held on 07 April 2013 in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam. The Philippines will be hosting the 3rd meeting of the JCBC.
