PH to endorse three key ASEAN documents at Cebu summit

The Philippines is set to endorse three key outcome documents for consideration by leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations during the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu this week, as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. chairs the regional gathering.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lapu-Lapu City on Wednesday, ASEAN spokesperson Dominic Xavier Imperial said the proposed documents fall under the ASEAN Political-Security Community pillar.

“Specifically, under the ASEAN APSC (ASEAN Political-Security Community) Pillar, we are working toward the endorsement of three important outcome documents for the consideration of the ASEAN Leaders,” Imperial said.

One of the documents is the Cebu Protocol to Amend the Charter of the ASEAN, which would mark the first amendment to the ASEAN Charter since it was signed in 2007.

Imperial said the proposed amendment reflects ASEAN’s continued institutional strengthening, particularly in support of the full integration of Timor-Leste into the regional bloc.

Another document up for endorsement is the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Maritime Cooperation, which aims to strengthen regional maritime coordination through initiatives such as the inclusion of the ASEAN Coast Guard Forum as an ASEAN Sectoral Body and the proposed establishment of an ASEAN Maritime Centre in the Philippines.

ASEAN leaders are also expected to consider the ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on the Response to the Middle East Crisis, which stemmed from two Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meetings convened by the Philippines in March and April in response to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

According to Imperial, the statement outlines ASEAN’s collective response to the crisis and seeks to improve coordination mechanisms for future emergencies.

He added that while ASEAN leaders are focusing on energy security, food security, and the safety of ASEAN nationals during the summit, the Philippines will also continue pushing its own regional priorities and deliverables.

These include preparations for the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, the continued integration of Timor-Leste, and discussions on the latest developments in Myanmar.

“At a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty and evolving regional challenges, the Philippines underscores the importance of bolstering the region’s strategic autonomy guided by ASEAN Centrality, enhancing our coordination as a community of nations, and reaffirming our resolve to the long-standing principles of international law,” Imperial said.

The Philippines is hosting the 2026 ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together.”

-Paraluman News