President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. steered the country closer to its neighbors by engaging with fellow leaders in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other countries that are connected with the regional bloc in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

He also joined Asia-Pacific leaders for the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders Meeting at the Hwabaek International Convention Center.

26 October

Welcoming Timor-Leste to the family

The President attended the opening of the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits, where the regional body was expected to engage in dialogue to resolve differences and tackle pressing issues, aiming to build a stronger region that is a friend to the world.

After more than a decade since the country applied for membership, Timor-Leste has finally ascended to ASEAN, fulfilling the hopes and dreams of the young nation for prosperity, peace, and unity, which aligned with the summit’s theme, Inclusivity and Sustainability.

The Philippines is one of the countries that expressed full support for the inclusion of Timor-Leste in ASEAN.

Bilaterals lead the way

The Chief Executive held talks with the leaders of Canada, Cambodia, and Thailand, deepening bilateral relations.

In the first meeting, Marcos and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet reaffirmed the Philippines’ support for the peaceful resolution of the Thai-Cambodian conflict through dialogue and adherence to international law. Manet, for his part, expressed Cambodia’s strong support for the Philippines’ upcoming ASEAN Chairship in 2026.

Marcos then conveyed the Philippines’ condolences to the people of Thailand through Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit.

In his third meeting of the day, Marcos expressed his gratitude to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Joseph Carney for Canada’s steadfast support of the Philippines, citing their shared values on the rules-based international order, most notably the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Marcos also had a chance to meet with the leaders of the European Union and the Prime Minister of Japan.

27 October

Magno named NBI head

After National Bureau of Investigation Director Jaime Santiago confirmed that President Marcos had accepted his resignation, Malacañang announced the appointment of Assistant Director Lito Magno as officer-in-charge of the NBI.

India serves as model

In a bid to foster a stable Indo-Pacific region, President Marcos appealed to India for help in advancing the rule of law and the peaceful settlement of maritime disputes, highlighting the common interest of the Philippines and India in upholding the maritime rule of law.

“Foremost, as a maritime and archipelagic nation, I wish to highlight the great importance of the rule of law in our oceans,” Marcos said during the dialogue between ASEAN leaders and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“Both ASEAN and India should see the peaceful settlement of disputes and maritime cooperation as essential, as our seas contribute to the peace and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region,” he added.

Marcos emphasized the importance of a deeper cooperation between ASEAN and India, as the latter is poised to become the world’s fourth-largest economy and has a lot to offer the region.

Strong support for AITIGA

Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines’ strong support for the ongoing review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA), saying the “timely and meaningful upgrade of the agreement will not only expand market access and strengthen supply chains, but also enhance ASEAN-India economic relations and reinforce the credibility of our regional integration agenda.”

President Marcos also called for deepening ASEAN-India cooperation in technological innovation, citing financial technology (fintech) and sustainable energy as areas of cooperation.

South China Sea challenges persist

Keeping a diplomatic tone throughout the summit, President Marcos outlined the challenges the Philippines faces in the South China Sea.

“On the South China Sea, it is regrettable that incidents continue to occur in the West Philippine Sea, endangering the lives of Filipinos and the safety of our vessels and aircraft,” he said.

Marcos said the incidents include dangerous maneuvers and the coercive use of tools and equipment that interfere with routine activities in the maritime zone and airspace of the Philippines, as guaranteed under international law and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

He also slammed China over its declaration of a National Nature Reserve in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal).

“We strongly protest such a declaration. Bajo de Masinloc is a longstanding and integral part of the Philippines over which it has sovereignty and jurisdiction,” he said.

Strong ASEAN-U.S. partnership underscored

President Marcos underscored ASEAN’s strong partnership with the United States, recognizing Washington’s active role in supporting the region’s political, security, economic, and socio-cultural pillars.

During his intervention at the ASEAN-US Summit on Monday, Marcos thanked the United States for its steadfast support in promoting peaceful and sustainable seas.

Marcos said the Philippines was looking forward to co-chairing with the United States and the Republic of Korea the upcoming ARF Workshop on Best Practices for Port State Measures to Combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing, which will strengthen maritime security and sustainability.

In tackling transnational crime and terrorism, Marcos highlighted the ongoing collaboration under the ASEAN Plus United States Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime Consultations, focusing on human trafficking, cybercrime, illicit drugs, terrorism, and wildlife and timber trafficking.

Fostering people-to-people ties

The President acknowledged the US-supported people-to-people programs, such as the Fulbright Scholarship Program and the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative, as vital for fostering mutual understanding and developing future regional leaders.

“We hope these valuable initiatives will continue to promote understanding and strengthen lasting connections among our future leaders,” Marcos said.

Korean cooperation in key areas

Mr. Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines’ strong support for the Republic of Korea’s (RoK) partnership with Asean, emphasizing cooperation across political-security, economic, and socio-cultural pillars.

During the 26th Asean-RoK Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Marcos lauded Korea’s initiatives in cybersecurity, particularly the ASEAN Cyber Shield Project. He also emphasized the RoK’s key role in promoting regional peace, stability, and sustainable maritime development anchored on international law and UNCLOS.

He said the Philippines looks forward to co-chairing with the RoK and the US the ASEAN Regional Forum Workshop on combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

28 October

Talks with China, New Zealand

Marcos and fellow ASEAN leaders witnessed the signing of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade, expanding collaboration into digital and green economies, supply chain resilience, and MSME support.

The agreement reaffirms ASEAN and China’s shared goal of inclusive and sustainable regional growth.

At the 28th ASEAN-China Summit, Marcos reiterated the Philippines’ commitment to diplomacy and international law in the South China Sea, calling for a “substantive Code of Conduct” consistent with UNCLOS. He urged all parties to exercise self-restraint and ensure cooperation that “cannot exist alongside coercion.”

‘Navigating our future, together’

In the turnover ceremony at the Plenary Hall in Kuala Lumpur, Marcos thanked Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for steering ASEAN with clarity and conviction.

“I commend not only Your Excellency’s leadership, but also the steady hands and warm hospitality of the government of Malaysia. You have shown us that ASEAN makes the greatest strides when vision is matched with pragmatism,” he said.

“As your chairship concludes, the Philippines is honored to take on the responsibility of leading ASEAN from 2026,” he said. Marcos emphasized the Philippines’ commitment to carrying Malaysia’s momentum in ASEAN forward, particularly the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 on its first year.

Ready as host

President Marcos emphasized ASEAN’s readiness to host the summits. He noted that, in terms of logistics, the country is prepared.

He said that one of the things the Philippines is preparing for is the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.

“The other member states… that’s not as a big priority to them as it is to us. So this is our chance to really promote that and highlight that, and hopefully we will succeed,” he said.

29 October

Tatak Pinoy strategy signed

Executive Order 104, approving the Tatak Pinoy Strategy (TPS), a comprehensive national plan aimed at boosting Philippine industries, improving local production, and making Filipino goods and services competitive in the global market, was signed.

Under the strategy, action plans were laid out at the national, provincial, city, and municipal levels, enabling the expansion and diversification of the productive capacities of domestic enterprises and empowering them to produce increasingly sophisticated goods and services that can compete in the global market.

Under Republic Act 11981, the Tatak Pinoy (Pinoy Mark) Act, products made in the Philippines must have the encouragement, support, and promotion they need, including the promotion of production and offering of Philippine products and services that are increasingly diverse, sophisticated and globally competitive.

‘Thrilla in Manila’ turns 50

Fulfilling his promise, Marcos joined Filipino boxing fans in commemorating the 50th anniversary of the “Thrilla in Manila” --- one of the most iconic bouts in boxing history.

Dubbed “Thrilla in Manila 2,” the commemorative boxing competition paid tribute to the historic heavyweight match between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier that was held on 1 October 1975 at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Marcos was joined by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos at the Smart Araneta Coliseum upon the invitation of boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, who organized the event.

Like his father, who witnessed the iconic match during his presidency, President Marcos Jr. gave his commitment to supporting sports development and inspiring the next generation of Filipino athletes.

30 October

Marcos attends APEC

President Marcos flew to South Korea to participate in the 32nd Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders Meeting (AELM) to promote the Philippines’ economic interests and strengthen relationships with other APEC member economies.

He also met with the Filipino community in Busan and honored 7,420 Filipino soldiers who fought during the Korean War as members of the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea.

In his remarks, Marcos told the Filipino community that APEC aims to strengthen the economy, speed up trade and the provision of services, and ensure that small and medium enterprises benefit from inclusive growth.

New SSS office in Seoul

Bringing government services closer to the people in South Korea, Marcos announced the opening of the Social Security System (SSS) office in Seoul, assuring overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) that government services would be within their reach wherever they are. The office will be opened at the Philippine Embassy.

“It will now be easier to take care of benefits and services from SSS, such as membership, contributions, and claims, without having to go back to the Philippines,” he said.

In addition, the President said the Department of Foreign Affairs will open a consulate in Busan next year. The new consulate will serve Filipinos in Busan, Ulsan and Gimhae.

31 October

Phl open and ready for business

Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines’ readiness to host greater investments, emphasizing the country’s strategic location, skilled workforce, and commitment to innovation-driven, inclusive growth.

“Today, our message is clear: the Philippines is open, ready, and eager to do business with all of you,” Marcos said during the APEC CEO Summit in Gyeongju, South Korea.

“The Philippines offers more than just a strategic location at the heart of the region. We bring a dynamic workforce, a thriving innovation ecosystem, and an unwavering commitment to sustainable and inclusive prosperity,” he added.

Marcos emphasized the government views the business community as an essential partner in the national economic narrative, citing the private sector’s role in capital movement, jobs creation, technology introduction, and delivering meaningful social impact.

Reforms boost investment image

Marcos assured investors the Philippines has undertaken key reforms to attract more investments and improve business efficiency, aligning with the Asia-Pacific Business Advisory Council’s 2025 theme, “Bridge. Business. Beyond,” by promoting regional cooperation, innovation, and inclusivity.

Marcos noted the country’s push toward an innovation-driven economy through digital infrastructure expansion, the DTI’s Bagong Pilipinas Marketplace, and the National AI Strategy Roadmap, which guides the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence to enhance services and empower MSMEs.

Marcos also cited education and workforce reforms under Administrative Order No. 36 and the Transnational Higher Education Act, along with improved investment policies such as the new Public-Private Partnership Code, green lanes for investors, and streamlined company registration via the SEC’s OneSEC ZERO Facility.