President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. departed for Kuala Lumpur on Sunday to participate in the 46th ASEAN Summit, where leaders of the regional bloc are expected to discuss a collective response to the United States’ newly imposed tariff measures.
Before flying out from Villamor Air Base, Marcos said preliminary talks had already taken place between ASEAN leaders, especially with summit chair Malaysia and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. These discussions hint at a stronger and more coordinated economic stance from the region amid rising global trade tensions.
“I will add to that list of issues the discussions which we will continue, as we have already had preliminary discussions with the Chair of ASEAN, Malaysia, specifically PM Anwar on the proper response of ASEAN as a group towards the new tariff schedule being imposed by the United States,” Marcos said.
“We have already made informal consultations with our fellow member states and their representatives with the Chairman, PM Anwar, on this subject. It is something that we have to discuss, and it is something that we have to respond to,” he added.
Marcos acknowledged ASEAN’s diverse trade relationships but emphasized the importance of reaching a common ground.
“We must find a way to reach consensus among the disparate situations the different member states are operating under,” he said.
While trade takes center stage, Marcos also reiterated the Philippines’ continued support for ASEAN’s central role in addressing regional security and technological concerns—including the South China Sea issue, the ongoing Myanmar crisis, and the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI).
“At this Summit, I will join fellow ASEAN Leaders in reaffirming our commitment to ASEAN Centrality as we navigate pressing regional and global challenges, including developments in the South China Sea, the situation in Myanmar, threats to regional peace and maritime security, as well as the far-reaching impacts of climate change, economic volatility, and digital disruption,” he said.
“I will also highlight the Philippines’ commitment to the development of a common regional framework for ethical and responsible Artificial Intelligence aligned with ASEAN values.”
Marcos will attend the summit’s Plenary and Retreat sessions, meet with ASEAN parliamentarians, youth, and business leaders, and witness the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045. He will also chair the 16th BIMP-EAGA Summit and take part in meetings with the Gulf Cooperation Council and China.
Bilateral meetings with leaders of Laos, Kuwait, and Vietnam are also being considered.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin will act as government caretaker during Marcos’ absence, alongside Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrad Estrella III.