Marcos: PH ready to lead implementation of ASEAN guidelines on migrant workers protection

JAKARTA, Indonesia — The Philippines is ready to lead the operationalization of the ASEAN Guidelines on the Protection of Migrant Workers and Family Members in Crisis Situation, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. told ASEAN state leaders Tuesday.

“We must be ready to assist those who have toiled to contribute significantly to our economies: as our migrant workers. In this regard, the Philippines stands ready to lead and support efforts to operationalize the ASEAN Guidelines on the Protection of Migrant Workers and Family Members in Crisis Situations,” Marcos said in his intervention at the 43rd ASEAN Summit plenary session here.

The Philippine leader stressed the regional bloc’s policy should provide assistance to all stages of crisis preparedness, response, and recovery.

In the same speech, Marcos declared that the Philippines is ready to 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.

“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.

The plenary session came shortly after the opening ceremony of the 43rd ASEAN Summit.

Marcos attended the opening ceremony along with ASEAN Summit Chair and Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Manet, Lao PDR Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Vietnam Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Mark Brown, Prime Minister of Cook Islands, Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmaño.

Thailand was represented by its permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Sarun Charoensuwan.

Marcos was accompanied by his wife, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.

Marcos will be in Indonesia until Thursday to attend the ASEAN main events as well as other related summits. He arrived in Jakarta on Monday evening.

The 43rd ASEAN Summit will conclude on September 7 with a handover ceremony of the ASEAN chairmanship from Indonesia to Laos. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News