President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. declared that the Philippines is fully prepared to take on the Chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026, pledging to champion practical, inclusive, and measurable initiatives that will deliver tangible benefits to the peoples of Southeast Asia.

In a statement delivered during the 47th ASEAN Plenary Session at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center, Marcos underscored ASEAN’s pivotal role in sustaining regional stability, cooperation, and shared progress.

The President reaffirmed the country’s full commitment to realizing the ASEAN Vision 2045, which envisions a “resilient, inclusive, and dynamic” regional community capable of addressing emerging global challenges.

Marcos also extended his appreciation to the Government of Malaysia for its hospitality in hosting the summit and welcomed Timor-Leste as ASEAN’s newest member state.

In a gesture of regional solidarity, the President also offered condolences to the people of Thailand following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit.

The Chief Executive further highlighted the importance of ASEAN Centrality in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, stressing that the bloc must continue to serve as a platform for dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation.

He reaffirmed the Philippines’ adherence to international law, citing 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) as key frameworks for promoting maritime peace and sustainability.

On the economic front, President Marcos lauded recent milestones, including 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. These, he said, reflect ASEAN’s ongoing commitment to open markets, infrastructure development, and sustained regional growth.

He also urged ASEAN member states to prioritize inclusive and sustainable development, calling for stronger social protection systems, enhanced disaster resilience, and deeper environmental cooperation to ensure that no community is left behind.

The Philippines last chaired ASEAN in 2017, marking its 50th founding anniversary with a focus on people-centered cooperation—a legacy Marcos said his administration is determined to build upon as the region looks toward the next two decades.