Malacañang has confirmed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will attend the ASEAN Summit later this month.

“The summit will take place on 26 to 27 May and, yes, President Marcos will be there,” Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said during a briefing on Monday.

This year, Malaysia is hosting the summit and, ahead of the event, President Marcos had a chat with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. They touched on important topics like regional security and the potential economic impact of the US tariffs.

Castro said their conversation was warm and positive. “You could see from the President’s body language and his big smile that the discussion went well.”

Prime Minister Ibrahim also praised Marcos, calling him a “good friend,” and wished him luck in the upcoming elections.

The summit will discuss key issues like regional stability, maritime security, climate change, and building stronger partnerships among the members.

Palace saddened by accidents

On Monday, Malacañang expressed deep sadness over the deadly road accidents that took place recently.

“[President Marcos] is deeply saddened by what happened, especially since lives were lost and many of our fellow Filipinos were hurt. It’s really tragic,” Castro said.

One of the incidents was a multiple-car collision on the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, which claimed 10 lives and injured 37. Another accident occurred at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport where an SUV crashed into people lined up to enter Terminal. Two persons, including a five-year-old child, were killed, while four others were injured.

President Marcos instructed Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon to make sure the victims received aid and justice.