JAKARTA, Indonesia – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has announced that the Philippines is ready to take the helm and chair the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026.

He made the announcement during the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia on Tuesday, where he made his remarks during the summit plenary.

"It is my pleasure to announce that the Philippines is ready to take the helm and chair ASEAN in 2026," Marcos said.

"We will fortify the foundations of our Community-building and navigate ASEAN as it embarks on a new chapter," he added.

Marcos assured that the Philippines will count on the support of fellow Member States and continue to work with our partners to strengthen ASEAN Centrality, and to promote peace, security, stability, and prosperity in the region.

ASEAN is a regional intergovernmental organization comprising ten countries in Southeast Asia: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The Philippines last chaired ASEAN in 2017, during the term of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Indonesia currently hosts the ongoing 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia.

After the summit, Indonesia will pass on the role of ASEAN chairmanship to Laos.