PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. left for Malaysia on Sunday to attend the 46th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, where he is expected to engage in high-level discussions on regional cooperation, economic resilience and security challenges with fellow Southeast Asian leaders.
In a speech delivered at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City before his departure, Mr. Marcos said the Philippines fully supports Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship and its chosen summit theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability.”
The Philippines will hold the baton next year as chief of the economic bloc.
Before his departure, Mr. Marcos tapped Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III as government caretakers.
“We aim to build a future-ready ASEAN that is not only competitive but also people-centered and sustainable,” he said. “As always, our participation in the ASEAN Summit reaffirms our dedication to deepening regional cooperation and advancing the well-being of every Filipino and the entire Southeast Asian community.”
Among the key issues he identified were rising tensions in the South China Sea, the political crisis in Myanmar, threats to regional peace and maritime security and the broader impacts of climate change, economic volatility and digital disruption.
The summit, scheduled for May 26 to 27, will convene leaders from across the region to reaffirm ASEAN centrality and address key regional and global issues.
Mr. Marcos also said discussions are expected to touch on trade-related challenges within the region, including the disparate tariff schedules imposed by the US on various ASEAN economies.
He is accompanied by key officials including Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque and Presidential Communications Office Secretary Jaybee C. Ruiz.
“We must find a way to find consensus amongst the disparate situations that the different member states are operating under,” Mr. Marcos said, adding that preliminary discussions had already taken place with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on the topic.
He reiterated the Philippines’ long-standing advocacy for an open, inclusive and rules-based international order, emphasizing peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law.
He also said the Philippines would push the development of a common regional framework for ethical and responsible artificial intelligence aligned with ASEAN values.
Mr. Marcos likewise expressed optimism that the summit would address emerging regional issues and pave the way for constructive dialogue among ASEAN’s 10 member states. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana
