President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. assured the international community that the Philippines is fully prepared and capable of assuming the Chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026, marking a commitment to lead the 11-nation bloc through a period of critical regional development.
Speaking during a media interview in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, following his successful participation in the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, President Marcos confirmed that comprehensive preparations—both logistical and substantive—are well underway.
“The Philippines is fully capable and ready to host the biannual international event, particularly in terms of logistics and infrastructure,” the President stated, confirming that physical and technical preparations have been a priority since the start of the year.
Beyond ensuring smooth physical hosting, the Philippine government has also formalized its agenda for the 2026 Chairship, focusing on elements deemed essential for the region’s progress.
President Marcos emphasized that assuming the chairmanship provides a crucial opportunity for the Philippines to steer discussions on key issues of national interest that align with regional stability.
“When you are the Chair of ASEAN, you lead. And that is what we are ready to do because we have a very, very good idea of what the elements are that we feel need to be part of the discussions of ASEAN during our Chairship,” the President remarked.
The primary item on the nation’s proposed agenda is the acceleration and finalization of the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea.
“The COC is number one for us. This is our chance to really promote that and to highlight that, and hopefully we will succeed,” President Marcos asserted, highlighting the nation’s determination to drive negotiations toward a stable and peaceful regional maritime framework.
The President noted that the preparation process began in earnest approximately eight months ago, following discussions with the current ASEAN Chair, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, underscoring the seriousness of the undertaking. The Philippines remains dedicated to advancing the ASEAN Community Blueprint and reinforcing the bloc’s position as a center of gravity for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
