(AseanAll) — Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. asserted that the Philippines is ready to assume the Chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026, with particular focus on advancing practical, inclusive, and measurable initiatives that directly benefit the peoples in the region.
In a press briefing in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Philippine Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President made the statement during his intervention at the 47th ASEAN Plenary held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center on October 26, 2025.
According to Castro, Marcos emphasized ASEAN’s crucial role in fostering regional stability, cooperation, and progress.
She said President Marcos reiterated the Philippines’ commitment to achieving the ASEAN Vision 2045, which aims to build a resilient, inclusive, and dynamic regional community.
The President extended his gratitude to the Government of Malaysia for its warm hospitality and officially welcomed Timor-Leste as ASEAN’s newest member state.
Castro said the Chief Executive also conveyed his condolences to the people of Thailand on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit.
Marcos also underscored the importance of ASEAN Centrality in strengthening peace, stability, and collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region.
The President also highlighted the need for mutual benefit and broader dialogue, while reaffirming the Philippines’ continued commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement).
On the economic front, the President cited the signing of the Second Protocol to Amend the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) and the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade, reaffirming the Philippines’ support for open markets, infrastructure development, and sustained regional economic growth.
The President also emphasized the importance of promoting inclusive and sustainable development through strengthened social protection systems, disaster resilience, and environmental cooperation.
