Philippine President Marcos Jr. promises “clarity, composure, and purpose” as Asean Chair in 2026.
KUALA LUMPUR: Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has pledged to carry forward Malaysia’s legacy of pragmatic leadership as he prepares to assume the Asean chairmanship in 2026, vowing to steer the regional bloc with “clarity, composure and purpose.”
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits here today, Marcos commended Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Malaysian government for their “steady hands and warm hospitality” in guiding Asean through a year of dynamic engagement.
He said Malaysia’s leadership had demonstrated that Asean achieves its greatest progress “when vision is matched with pragmatism.”
“As your chairship concludes, the Philippines is honoured to take on the responsibility of leading Asean from 2026,” he said.
“We are committed to carrying forward your momentum and implementing, with purpose and resolve, the Asean Community Vision 2045.”
Marcos said the Philippines’ chairmanship, to be guided by the theme “Navigating Our Future Together,” would focus on three core pillars — peace, prosperity, and people.
“The Philippines will continue to fortify our peace and security anchors, strengthen our prosperity corridors, and advance people empowerment,” he said.
“These priorities will serve as our compass, guiding Asean toward a future where peace, prosperity, and people remain at the heart of all that we do.”
He stressed that Asean’s integration must translate into tangible benefits for its citizens by creating opportunities, uplifting communities, and ensuring inclusive and sustainable progress.
Recalling the Philippines’ previous chairmanship in 2017, Marcos noted that the 2026 term would coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation — a symbolic milestone underscoring Asean’s enduring commitment to peace and dialogue.
“We will continue to champion peace and stability through dialogue, adherence to international law, and enhanced cooperation on traditional and non-traditional security issues,” he said.
Describing the present as “a defining moment marked by both promise and complexity,” Marcos said cooperation must remain Asean’s constant compass amid shifting global tides.
“With the Philippines at the helm, we will ensure that Asean and its mechanisms remain central,” he said. “Our goal is not to diverge from past chairships, but to build upon the collective work of our predecessors.”
He closed his speech with an invitation to all Asean leaders to gather in the Philippines in 2026.
“With our collective resolve,” he said, “let us navigate into our future together.”
