Philippines ready to host ASEAN in 2026 —Marcos

JAKARTA, Indonesia — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday announced that the Philippines is ready to chair and host the ASEAN Summit in 2026. —

“It is my pleasure to announce that the Philippines is ready to take the helm and chair ASEAN in 2026. We will fortify the foundations of our Community-building and navigate ASEAN as it embarks on a new chapter,” Marcos said in his intervention at the plenary session of the 43rd ASEAN Summit.

“We will count on the support of fellow Member States and continue to work with our partners to strengthen ASEAN Centrality, and to promote peace, security, stability, and prosperity in the region,” he added.

Indonesia hosts the ongoing 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Marcos congratulated Indonesian President Joko Widodo for their “most able leadership and warm hospitality as the Chair of ASEAN this year.”

At the end of the summit, Indonesia will turn over the chairmanship to Laos. 

Marcos said he is looking forward to Lao PDR’s hosting of next year’s summit. —KG/RSJ, GMA Integrated News