Villamor Air Base, Pasay City
May 25, 2025

“I will continue to champion our advocacies in promoting an open, an inclusive and rules-based international order, and for the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law,” remarked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during his departure at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City for the 46th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from May 26 to 27, 2025.

In his departure statement, President Marcos Jr. said that this year’s Summit is an opportunity to reaffirm the country’s commitment to a united and resilient ASEAN that responds to the needs of all its people.

The President expressed strong support for Malaysia’s Chairship and its vision of an inclusive and sustainable development for the Region. He emphasized that the Philippines stands behind efforts to strengthen ASEAN Centrality, especially in the face of ongoing regional and global challenges.

“The Philippines fully supports Malaysia’s Chairmanship and its vision of an ASEAN that promotes meaningful, inclusive, and sustainable development,” he conveyed.

President Marcos Jr. stated that he will work closely with fellow ASEAN Leaders to address urgent concerns such as tensions in the South China Sea, the situation in Myanmar, maritime security threats, economic volatility, and the long-term impacts of climate change and digital disruption.

He further stated that he will push for the development of a common regional framework on ethical and responsible artificial intelligence (AI), one that reflects the core values of ASEAN.

“As always, our participation in the ASEAN Summit reaffirms our dedication to deepening regional cooperation and advancing the well-being of every Filipino and the entire Southeast Asian community,” President Marcos Jr. concluded in his statement.

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