President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (RTVM Screengrab)
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. departed for Vientiane, Laos on Tuesday afternoon to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, where he is expected to highlight the country’s position on key regional and global issues, including the West Philippine Sea (WPS) dispute.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella will serve as government caretakers while the President is away.
The 44th and 45th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits will be held from Oct. 8 to 11 at the National Convention Center in Vientiane under the theme “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience.”
In his departure speech, Marcos said ASEAN leaders will explore how to improve regional connectivity, as well as to strengthen resilience to promote sustainable development and inclusive growth.
Marcos said he will also take part in engagements to advance cooperation in areas such as food and energy security, trade and investment, supply chain, resilience and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and addressing the impacts of climate change and more.
International issues affecting the region will also be discussed, the President said, including the West Philippine Sea, the situation in Myanmar and the conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East.
“As we continue to grapple with sharpening regional tensions, including the recent dangerous incidents in the West Philippine Sea, I intend to champion our advocacies in promoting an open, inclusive and rules based international order and for the peaceful resolution of any disputes in accordance with international law,” Marcos said.
The Chief Executive is also scheduled to meet the Filipino community at the Wanda Hotel in Vientiane.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the President will emphasize the country’s strong commitment to upholding the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruling on the South China Sea, as he defends the Philippine territory from any foreign powers.
The Philippines, China, and other Southeast Asian countries are among the claimants of key features and territories in the South China Sea, a vast and resource-rich body of water that extends to the country’s exclusive economic zone through the WPS.
Safety of Filipinos in Middle East
Marcos also assured the public that the government is doing everything to ensure the safety of Filipinos in Middle East amid the ongoing unrest in the region.
“I am glad to report that no Filipino has been reported injured in the crisis that we hear about in the news,” he said.
Of the 1,500 initial applicants for repatriation from Lebanon, a third have already gone home, according to the President, adding that around 500 more still processing their exit papers.
He then directed the Department of Migrant Workers and Department of Foreign Affairs to submit to him daily reports about the progress of the repatriation efforts.
Nat’l interests, robust growth
Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, meanwhile, underscored the importance of President Marcos' participation in the ASEAN Summits, saying these gatherings are critical in addressing pressing issues that impact not only the region but also the Philippines’ national interests, particularly concerning the West Philippine Sea, and in sustaining the country’s robust growth.
"The ASEAN Summits come at a crucial time for the Philippines, as we confront increasing tensions in the West Philippine Sea. President Marcos will articulate the country's advocacy for the peaceful resolution of disputes, in line with international law. It is vital that we stand united with ASEAN in promoting an open and rules-based order," said Romualdez, who is part of the official Philippine delegation.
Apart from providing a suitable forum to discuss regional peace and security concerns, Romualdez highlighted the relevance of the summits to the Filipino people, particularly in addressing economic concerns.
He reaffirmed his confidence in President Marcos' commitment to deepening engagements with ASEAN and its Dialogue Partners, ensuring that these relationships contribute to the prosperity and security of the nation.
"The well-being of the Filipino people depends on how we navigate these challenges. President Marcos' leadership in these summits is essential in ensuring that the Philippines not only secures its national interests but also contributes to the broader goals of regional stability and inclusive growth," Romualdez said.
He said the ASEAN theme this year, “Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience,” aligns with the Agenda for Prosperity of the Marcos administration meant to strengthen the country’s economy and improve the livelihoods of ordinary Filipinos.
"These summits offer an opportunity to engage with ASEAN's external partners, paving the way for increased cooperation in key areas such as food and energy security, trade, investment, and supply chain resilience,” Romualdez said.
He underscored the need for continued collaboration with ASEAN members and external partners to address pressing global challenges and advance the region’s development. (with a report from Jose Cielito Reganit/PNA)
