President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Saturday morning departed for Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia to attend the upcoming 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits.
Marcos left Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on board the presidential plane with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos for the event scheduled from October 26 to 28, 2025.
In his departure speech, Marcos said the Philippines’ participation at the ASEAN Summit reaffirms the country’s dedication to stronger regional cooperation, and advancing the well-being of Filipinos and the Southeast Asian community.
He cited the continuing issues related to the South China Sea as among the critical challenges faced by the regional bloc.
“At this Summit, I will join fellow ASEAN Leaders in reaffirming our commitment to ASEAN Centrality as we navigate pressing regional and global challenges, including developments in the South China Sea, the situation in Myanmar, threats to regional peace and maritime security, as well as the far-reaching impacts of climate change, economic volatility, and transnational crime,” Marcos said.
“I will continue to champion our advocacies in promoting an open, inclusive, and rules-based international order, and for the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law,” the President added.
He likewise said he would highlight the Philippines’ commitment to a rules-based multilateral trading system, which is a “vital compass in navigating today’s complex geoeconomic challenges.”
Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro, Trade Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian, and Presidential Communications Office Acting Secretary Dave Gomez were previously announced to be part of the President’s delegation.
Designated as caretakers of the government, meanwhile, are Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Education Secretary Sonny Angara, and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III, according to GMA Integrated News’ Mariz Umali.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) earlier said the President is expected to advance the Philippines’ interests during his meetings at the ASEAN event.
His expected itinerary includes 14 leaders-level meetings and three signing ceremonies, namely the Declaration on the Admission of Timor-Leste into ASEAN as its 11th member, Signing of the Second Protocol To Amend the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement, and the ASEAN-China Free Trade 3.0 Upgrade.
Bilateral meetings with other leaders will also take place. Eighty expected outcome documents to be signed during the Summit.
The chairmanship of the ASEAN Summit and Related Summits for 2026 will be turned over to the Philippines towards the end of the meetings. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
