Marcos seeks regional unity on Myanmar

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is hopeful the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) will unite to address the ongoing conflict in Myanmar.

“It would be much preferable if Asean moves as one. So that’s what I will try now,” he told the Philippine media delegation during the Kapihan in Kuala Lumpur.

“I’m definitely going to be calling around and say, ‘What should we do about this?’” he added.

Junta-led Myanmar is set to have elections in December to elect a new government.

“There are differences in opinion among the different members of Asean, but the differences are not enormous. I think that if we talk about it some more, we will find a common ground as to what to do. What that is, I cannot predict,” Marcos said.

No decision

Marcos said the regional bloc is challenged by the opposing opinions of each member.

“What’s happened is Asean is leaving it to each country to decide on its own. Asean will not take a common position. Because in our discussions, everyone has a different idea,” he explained.

“So, we will have to decide for the Philippines what it is that we think we should do. We will watch other countries to see what they should do,” he said.

Marcos believes that Asean will reach an agreement before Myanmar holds its elections.

“I still believe that we will come to a consensus as to what to do by 28 December when the election is scheduled,” he said.

As the 47th Asean Summit saw many cultural performances that soared beyond borders, President Marcos boasted the Philippines can replicate the efforts of host Malaysia and more.

BBM eyes world-class performers

In a lighthearted exchange with the Philippine media delegation, Marcos said he and the Asean team were personally searching for performers who could showcase the world-class talent of Filipinos.

“Sofronio (Vasquez) is not available; he has a gig,” Marcos said.