Philippine’s President Marcos Departs for Malaysia to Attend 46th ASEAN Summit Amid US Tariff Concerns

Manila, The Gulf Observer: Philippine’s President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. departed for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Sunday to participate in the 46th ASEAN Summit, where leaders of the Southeast Asian bloc are expected to formulate a collective response to the United States’ newly announced tariff measures.

Speaking before his departure at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, President Marcos revealed that informal consultations among ASEAN leaders have already commenced, reflecting the region’s shifting economic stance in light of mounting global trade tensions.

“I will add to that list of issues the discussions which we will continue, as we have already had preliminary discussions with the Chair of ASEAN, Malaysia—specifically Prime Minister Anwar—on the proper response of ASEAN as a group towards the new tariff schedule being imposed by the United States,” Marcos said.

The president emphasized that early discussions have taken place with fellow ASEAN member states and the summit’s host country, noting that a joint response is essential.

“It is something that we have to discuss, and it is something that we have to respond to,” he added.

While acknowledging the diversity of economic circumstances among ASEAN nations, Marcos stressed the importance of unity and consensus-building within the bloc. “We must find a way to reach consensus among the disparate situations the different member states are operating under,” he stated.

The trade issue adds new weight to the summit’s agenda, originally centered on the theme of Inclusivity and Sustainability. Beyond economic matters, President Marcos affirmed the Philippines’ continued advocacy for ASEAN’s central role in addressing regional security and development challenges.

“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 digital disruption,” he said.

Marcos also announced the Philippines’ initiative to promote a common regional framework for ethical and responsible artificial intelligence, aligned with ASEAN values. “I will highlight the Philippines’ commitment to the development of a common regional framework for ethical and responsible Artificial Intelligence,” he added.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, President Marcos will participate in both the Plenary and Retreat sessions of the summit, engage with ASEAN parliamentarians, youth, and business leaders, and witness the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045.

He is also set to chair the 16th Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit and attend the ASEAN-GCC and ASEAN-GCC-China Summits.

Bilateral meetings with leaders from Laos, Kuwait, and Vietnam are expected to take place on the sidelines of the summit.

During the president’s absence, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin will lead the government’s caretaker committee, along with Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrad Estrella III.