May 26, 2025
MANILA – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his delegation arrived here on Sunday afternoon ahead of their participation in the 46th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit, where he is expected to renew calls for a Code of Conduct on the South China Sea in a gathering that may be dominated by trade issues.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said earlier the Philippines aims to have a binding maritime agreement, first raised by Asean in 1992, finalized by next year, when Manila hosts the regional bloc’s meetings.
In his departure statement, Marcos said key issues that will be taken up by the Philippines include “developments in the South China Sea, the crisis in Myanmar, regional peace and maritime security, and the effects of climate change, economic instability and digital disruption.”
“As always, our participation in the Asean Summit reaffirms our dedication to deepening regional cooperation and advancing the well-being of every Filipino and the entire Southeast Asian community,” Marcos said.
CCG harassment
“But I will continue to champion our advocacies in promoting an open and inclusive and rules-based international order,” he said.
The President made his remarks in the wake of another reported harassment by the China Coast Guard (CCG) on May 22 when it fired water cannons and sideswiped a research vessel of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources near Sandy Cay in the West Philippine Sea.
Ambassadors of the United States, Canada, the European Union, Japan, Australia and New Zealand condemned China’s “dangerous” actions against the Philippine vessel.
Mr. Marcos said the country continues to advocate a peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law.
“Through these efforts, we aim to build a future-ready Asean that is not only competitive but also people-centered and sustainable,” he said.
The summit being chaired this year by Malaysia is held under the theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability”—which Mr. Marcos described as a call for stronger regional cooperation toward a “united, resilient, and responsive” Asean.
Noting the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Mr. Marcos said “the Philippines fully supports Malaysia’s chairmanship and its vision of an Asean that promotes meaningful, inclusive, and sustainable development.”
He said Asean leaders are also set to discuss the new US tariff schedule and its implications on the member states. (See related story on Page 1).
“We must find a way to reach consensus, despite the different trade situations that Asean countries face,” Mr. Marcos said.
Summit schedule
The President and first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos arrived in Kuala Lumpur at 5:41 p.m., accompanied by Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, Presidential Communications Office Secretary Jay Ruiz, Communications Undersecretary and Malacañang press officer Claire Castro, and Mindanao Development Authority chair Leo Tereso Magno.
Marcos wore a blue suit while the first lady donned a pink dress as they were accorded arrival honors and were welcomed by Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Maria Angela Ponce.
On Monday, he will take part in the 46th Asean Summit plenary session and retreat, followed by the Asean Leaders’ interface meetings with representatives of the Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, Asean Youth and representatives of the Asean Business Advisory Council.
Marcos will then join a signing ceremony on the Kuala Lumpur Declaration before he and other state leaders attend a gala dinner hosted by the Malaysian prime minister and his wife, Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
On Tuesday, the President will chair the 16th Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area Summit, then join the 2nd Asean-Gulf Cooperation Summit and Asean-GCC-China Economic Summit.
Marcos will then attend a luncheon hosted by the King of Malaysia, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar. He will return to Manila on Tuesday night. /cb
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