MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. positioned the Philippines as a leading voice for regional maritime cooperation and stability as he accepted the country’s chairship of the 2026 ASEAN Summit, vowing to steer the bloc toward unity amid rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Returning from the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Marcos said the Philippines will “remain firm, calm, and resolute” in defending its sovereign rights in the WPS while pursuing peaceful and lawful solutions to territorial disputes.
“I reaffirmed that the Philippines will continue to remain firm, calm, and resolute in defending our sovereignty, our sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea in accordance with, of course, international law,” he declared.
The President emphasized that the country’s defense posture would continue to rest on diplomacy and rule-based engagement — a contrast to aggressive maneuvers in regional waters. He also underscored that Manila’s alliances will be guided by shared democratic values and a collective pursuit of peace and progress.
“We will continue to strengthen our partnerships with all countries who share our values and our commitment to peace, to stability, and to economic progress,” Marcos said.
At the Kuala Lumpur summit, Marcos repeatedly raised maritime security concerns and called on ASEAN to reinforce cooperation to safeguard freedom of navigation and overflight in contested waters.
He also reiterated the regional bloc’s support for Myanmar’s peace roadmap through the Five-Point Consensus and urged continued engagement to address the humanitarian and political crisis there.
In a symbolic highlight, Marcos officially accepted the gavel as the Philippines prepares to chair ASEAN in 2026 under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together.”
“Our Chairship arrives at a defining moment for ASEAN, one marked by both promise and complexity,” the President said. “Though the tides of change may be unpredictable, our compass must remain constant, anchored in cooperation.”
He vowed that the Philippines would lead ASEAN in advancing dialogue, adherence to international law, and joint efforts against traditional and emerging security threats.
“We will continue to champion peace and stability through dialogue, adherence to international law, and enhanced cooperation on traditional and non-traditional security issues,” he affirmed.
Marcos’ statements come as the Philippines continues to face aggressive actions by China in the West Philippine Sea — a challenge he seeks to confront not through confrontation, but through steadfast diplomacy and unified regional resolve./PN
