President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has arrived in Malaysia to take part in the 46th ASEAN Summit, where leaders from across Southeast Asia are set to address a range of regional and global concerns—including a growing unease over new tariff policies imposed by the United States.
Before departing from Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Sunday, President Marcos revealed that early-stage consultations had already taken place among ASEAN member nations, particularly with this year’s chair, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
“We’ve begun informal talks with fellow ASEAN leaders, including Prime Minister Anwar, to explore how ASEAN should collectively respond to the new U.S. tariff schedule,” the President said. “This is something we cannot ignore—we must tackle it together.”
A Shift in Economic Strategy Amid Trade Pressures
The summit, originally centered on inclusivity and sustainability, now finds itself refocusing to respond to new global trade challenges. The U.S. decision to introduce updated tariffs has triggered concerns across the region, especially among countries heavily reliant on export-driven economies.
President Marcos acknowledged that ASEAN’s diversity in economic conditions might make alignment difficult—but emphasized that collaboration is necessary.
“Each ASEAN country faces unique economic realities, but consensus is essential,” he added. “A unified front is our strength.”
Beyond Trade: ASEAN’s Role in Regional Stability
Marcos also underlined the Philippines’ commitment to supporting ASEAN Centrality in addressing urgent issues beyond economics. These include:
- Tensions in the South China Sea
- The ongoing political crisis in Myanmar
- Peace and maritime security
- Climate change impacts and digital disruption
- The ethical governance of Artificial Intelligence
“I intend to promote the creation of a shared ASEAN framework on AI—one that reflects our values and ensures responsible innovation,” he said.
Packed Summit Agenda for Marcos
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), President Marcos will be active in several key engagements during the summit, including:
- Participating in the Plenary and Retreat Sessions
- Meeting with ASEAN parliamentarians, youth leaders, and business delegates
- Witnessing the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045
He is also slated to chair the 16th BIMP-EAGA Summit, an economic cooperation platform involving Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, and attend ASEAN-GCC and ASEAN-GCC-China summits.
Bilateral Talks and Government Leadership While Abroad
President Marcos may also engage in bilateral meetings with the leaders of Laos, Kuwait, and Vietnam during his visit.
In his absence, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin is designated as the lead caretaker of the national government, supported by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrad Estrella III.
Source: Adapted from Philippine News Agency (PNA)
Report by Darryl John Esguerra
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