Ferdinand Marcos Jr. returned on Thursday night to the Philippines
after his participation at the 43rd Association of Southeast Asian
Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Indonesia, citing the importance of the
rules-based international order in the disputed South China Sea.
“I emphasized the importance of a rules-based international order
especially in the disputes in the South China Sea, in as much as they
affect not only our nation, but the entire region,” he stated in his
presidential report about the recently concluded ASEAN Summit.
In a video posted on his YouTube channel, the President said that
during the East Asia Summit, leaders were able to discuss the current
regional and international issues.
Mr. Marcos also assured the Philippines’ continuous commitment to
peaceful resolution amidst disputes in the South China Sea.
“I reaffirm that the Philippines is committed to the peaceful
resolution of disputes and called other countries to continue
upholding freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China
Sea,” he added.
The President also said that he had urged other parties to practice
“self-restraint and refrain from doing unilateral and assertive
activities that could increase tensions and could lead to
misunderstandings and miscalculations in the South China Sea.”
He also shared that he was able to meet Japanese Prime Minister Fumio
Kishido and US Vice President Kamala Harris to discuss how to
strengthen the cooperation in key areas of mutual interest.
Mr. Marcos also said that the ASEAN Summits had given him the
opportunity to have talks with the top executives of Indonesian
companies who are considering the Philippines to further expand their
presence.
He also shared that it was a productive trip as he was able to return
“with 22 million US dollars in investment commitments in areas crucial
for our economic recovery efforts, such as agriculture and digital
economy” and an assurance from a “company” who had committed an
investment during his state visit in Indonesia last year.
The President also announced that the Philippines will be hosting the
ASEAN Summit in 2026.
He wrapped up his report by congratulating Indonesian President Joko
Widodo for his stewardship in chairing the 43rd ASEAN Summit.
“I also thank them for their very warm hospitality to the Philippine
delegation, and I look forward to the able leadership of Lao PDR when
they host ASEAN in 2024,” he ended.
