Malacañang: ASEAN Summit preparations on track, no disruption from domestic politics

Malacañang said preparations for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Leaders’ Summit in Manila are progressing as planned, with systems in place ahead of the May 7 to 8 gathering.

Speaking at a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, who heads the ASEAN National Organizing Committee, has already updated President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on the state of preparations.

“All systems go po. Handa po tayo,” she said on Thursday, April 23. Castro noted, however, that some adjustments may still be considered, including the possibility of shifting certain meetings to a virtual format.

This comes after local officials in Cebu floated the idea that some sessions may no longer be held face-to-face as part of austerity measures. She clarified that no final decision has been made on whether portions of the summit will go online.

“Tingnan lang po natin… hindi pa po ako nabibigyan ng update patungkol po diyan,” she said.

Last month, Marcos said the Philippines would proceed with hosting the summit despite the energy crisis linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. He added that the event would be conducted as a “barebones ASEAN Summit,” focusing on urgent concerns such as petroleum supply, food security, and the welfare of migrant workers.

The president also said he had consulted fellow ASEAN leaders on whether to push through with the summit, noting that they agreed to proceed as scheduled. Castro also downplayed concerns that domestic political developments could disrupt preparations.

She said issues involving Vice President Sara Duterte and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez would not impact the country’s hosting duties. “Hindi po ito makakaapekto sa Pangulo,” she said.

She emphasized that the Cabinet and relevant agencies are the ones handling the preparations, adding that the vice president has no role in organizing the summit.