After the conclusion of the recent ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, the Philippines finds itself at the threshold of a new and consequential moment in regional diplomacy. The country will assume the chairship and host key ASEAN meetings in 2026, a responsibility that confers privilege and significance.

Under Malaysia’s stewardship, the ASEAN Summit adopted the “Inclusivity and Sustainability” theme, signaling a renewed commitment by the members to shape a common future of shared growth and cooperation. For the Philippines, the upcoming chairship presents an opportunity to translate ambition into action, especially in the areas of economic integration, maritime security, and regional identity. As hosts, we must set a vision and steer the agenda so that ASEAN’s rhetoric converts into tangible outcomes for our citizens.

One such milestone from the Kuala Lumpur meeting was the formal admission of Timor Leste (East Timor) as ASEAN’s 11th member. The Philippines has consistently backed Timor-Leste’s membership bid, even dating back to the time of President Benigno S. Aquino III, reflecting our conviction that the “family of ASEAN” must remain open to new voices and inclusive of the region’s budding democracies.

In championing Timor-Leste’s accession, Manila not only extended moral support but affirmed our belief that regional unity thrives when smaller states are empowered. In welcoming its newest member, ASEAN demonstrates that it remains a living institution that is capable of growth and renewal. For the Philippines, as we prepare to host the 2026 summit, this accession signals a broader role: to guide ASEAN into its next decade with integrity and purpose.

Equally important is our commitment under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to fast-track the long-overdue adoption of a binding Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (SCS). At the summit, President Marcos reaffirmed Manila’s call for ASEAN and China to conclude the COC by 2026. This is not mere diplomatic fine-tuning: it is fundamental to our national interest and regional stability. The Philippines has insisted on clarity, predictability and rules that protect our sovereign rights under international law. A binding COC will help prevent misunderstandings, maritime incidents and coercive behavior—crucial in a sea region where overlapping claims and rising great-power rivalry threaten the peace our citizens depend on.

As host of the ASEAN in 2026, the Philippines is uniquely positioned to move the ASEAN agenda from discussion to implementation. We must seize the moment by providing leadership on economic resilience, sustainable development, and maritime rules-based order. Leadership is not about prestige alone. It is about delivering concrete benefits to Filipino families: stronger trade links, safer seas, deeper regional solidarity.

In the weeks and months ahead, Manila’s diplomats, policymakers and civil society must work in concert to craft a compelling roadmap. We must ensure that Timor-Leste’s induction is not just symbolic, but shared through meaningful capacity-building and integration. We must ensure that the COC negotiations are not delayed further but accelerated into law. Finally, we must ensure that our turn as ASEAN chair becomes a moment of national renewal, reinforcing our commitment to regional peace, prosperity and responsibility.

The Kuala Lumpur summit has set the stage. As the Philippines assumes the ASEAN chairship, our neighbors expect the delivery of concrete results toward regional solidarity and national prosperity.