KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. affirmed that the Philippines is prepared to assume the Chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026, emphasizing a leadership approach anchored on practical, inclusive, and measurable initiatives that directly benefit the peoples of the region.

In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President made the statement during his intervention at the 47th ASEAN Plenary held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center.

According to Castro, President Marcos highlighted ASEAN’s key role in promoting regional stability, cooperation, and progress, and reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to realizing the ASEAN Vision 2045 toward a resilient, inclusive, and dynamic regional community.

The President expressed gratitude to the Government of Malaysia for its warm hospitality and officially welcomed Timor-Leste as ASEAN’s newest member state. He also extended condolences to the people of Thailand on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit.

Marcos underscored the importance of maintaining ASEAN Centrality in promoting peace, stability, and collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region. He also reaffirmed the Philippines’ adherence to international maritime frameworks, including 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).

On the economic front, the President cited 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, reaffirming the country’s support for open markets, infrastructure development, and sustained regional economic growth.

He likewise stressed the importance of promoting inclusive and sustainable development through stronger social protection systems, disaster resilience, and environmental cooperation.