Cebu, May 6 (AseanAll) — The Philippines will endorse three important outcome documents for the consideration of the Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. chairs the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu this week.
“Specifically, under the ASEAN APSC (ASEAN Political-Security Community) Pillar, we are working toward the endorsement of three important outcome documents for the consideration of the ASEAN Leaders,” ASEAN Spokesperson Dominic Xavier Imperial said in a press briefing at the International Media Center in Lapu-Lapu City on May 6, 2026.
He said among these documents is the Cebu Protocol to Amend the Charter of the ASEAN, which will mark the first amendment to the ASEAN Charter since its signing in 2007.
This reflects ASEAN’s continued institutional strengthening, particularly in support of Timor-Leste’s full integration into the regional bloc, he noted.
The ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Maritime Cooperation will also be endorsed, underscoring the region’s commitment to advancing maritime cooperation through concrete initiatives such as the inclusion of the ASEAN Coast Guard Forum (ACF) as an ASEAN Sectoral Body and the proposed establishment of an ASEAN Maritime Centre in the Philippines.
Another outcome document for endorsement will be the ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on the Response to the Middle East Crisis, which emanates from the two Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting convened by the Philippines in March and April in response to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The Leaders’ Statement outlines ASEAN’s collective response to the crisis while building the foundations for stronger coordination in future emergencies.
Imperial also emphasized that while ASEAN Leaders focus on three important priorities during the 48th ASEAN Summit — energy security, food security, and safety of ASEAN nationals — the Philippines, as Chair will continue to advance the country’s key priorities and deliverables in the preparatory meetings.
These include the preparations for the Commemorative Activity of the 50th Anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, the continued integration of Timor-Leste, and the latest developments in Myanmar.
“At a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty and evolving regional challenges, the Philippines underscores the importance of bolstering the region’s strategic autonomy guided by ASEAN Centrality, enhancing our coordination as a community of nations, and reaffirming our resolve to the long-standing principles of international law,” said Imperial.
The Philippines is hosting the 2026 ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together.”
