PHILIPPINES TO LEAD ASEAN IN 2026

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced that the Philippines will assume the ASEAN Chairship in 2026, following Malaysia’s term.

In his arrival statement after attending the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, President Marcos vowed to continue ASEAN’s thrust toward unity, inclusivity, and sustainability as the region navigates future challenges together.

The President met with leaders of Cambodia, Canada, Thailand, Japan, the EU, Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Nations Secretary-General, and discussed ways to further strengthen our partnerships and expand cooperation in strategic areas.

“I thank them for expressing their support for our ASEAN Chairship in 2026,” President Marcos added.

The President also said “the Philippine delegation and I are grateful to Malaysia, the chair of ASEAN this year, and our generous host for the successful 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits and 2025 Chairship of ASEAN.”

“During the closing ceremony of the summits, Malaysia turned over the ASEAN Chairship to us. As the 2026 Chair of ASEAN, the Philippines looks forward to building on the gains of Malaysia’s inclusivity and sustainability theme and carry ASEAN forward as we, as is our theme, ‘Navigate our Future, Together,” President Marcos said.

President Marcos also shared that “during this past 47th summit, we welcomed the full accession of Timor-Leste as the 11th member of ASEAN. This is a historic step that reaffirms ASEAN’s commitment to unity and inclusivity.”

“We remain committed to pursuing initiatives that will support Timor-Leste’s capacity to assume its obligations as a full member of ASEAN, with the end goal of further building a people-centered ASEAN,” the President noted.