Marcos leaves for Jakarta to attend 43rd ASEAN Summit

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Monday left for Jakarta, Indonesia to participate in the 43rd ASEAN Summit.

In his departure speech, Marcos said he would continue to promote Philippine interests during the summit and other related summits.

"Once again, I will use this opportunity to advance the Philippines' priorities in ASEAN and work with our other ASEAN member states not only in addressing the complex challenges facing the region but also in pursuing opportunities for ASEAN as an epicenter of growth," Marcos said.

"My participation will highlight our advocacies in promoting a rules-based international order, including in the South China Sea, strengthening food security, calling for climate justice, tapping the potential of the digital and creative economies, protecting migrant workers in crisis situations, as well as combating trafficking in persons," he added.

Aside from discussions about the developments in the South China Sea, he will also discuss with other leaders the situation in Myanmar and the conflict in Ukraine as well as on other major power rivalries.

Marcos said he would ensure constructive engagements with the ASEAN member states, the country's dialogue partners, and stakeholders.

Marcos is expected to attend at least 13 leader-level engagements during the summit, including the 43rd ASEAN Summit Plenary Session, the Opening Ceremony of the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Forum, and the 43rd ASEAN Summit Retreat Session.

The President will also attend the 26th ASEAN-China Summit, the 24th ASEAN-Republic of Korea Summit, the 26th ASEAN-Japan Summit, the 26th ASEAN Plus Three Summit, the ASEAN-US Summit, and the ASEAN-Canada Summit.

He will also participate in the 20th ASEAN-India Summit, the 18th East Asia Summit, the 3rd ASEAN-Australia Summit, and the 30th ASEAN-UN Summit. — DVM, GMA Integrated News