Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The Philippines is poised to assume the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Tuesday afternoon, October 28, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. set to formally accept the hosting of the 48th ASEAN Summit from Malaysia.
As the incoming ASEAN Chair in 2026, the Philippines aims to prioritize practical, inclusive, and measurable initiatives that directly benefit the people of Southeast Asia. Marcos has expressed the Philippines’ readiness to lead the now 11-member regional bloc, emphasizing a focus on translating long-term aspirations into immediate, concrete action.
“As the incoming ASEAN Chair in 2026, the Philippines is prepared to lead the first year of implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and its Strategic Plans,” Marcos said during his intervention at the 47th ASEAN Summit Plenary on Sunday. “We recognize the responsibility of translating long-term aspirations into immediate, concrete action. Our focus will be on initiatives that are practical, inclusive, and measurable.”
Marcos underscored that ASEAN’s success will be measured not by the number of policies or frameworks it produces, but by how effectively these initiatives improve the daily lives of its people. He also called for unity and cooperation among ASEAN Member States in navigating a time of global uncertainty, stressing that collective action and shared purpose are key to sustaining peace and progress in the region.
The Philippines has hosted the ASEAN Summit four times previously, in 1987, 1999, 2006, and 2017.
