JAKARTA, Indonesia — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. declared that the Philippines is ready to host the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in 2026, a year earlier than when the country is scheduled to chair the regional bloc next.

Marcos said this in his remarks during the Plenary Session of the 43rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits here on Tuesday, Sept. 5.

In his remarks, the President said the Philippines will fortify ASEAN's foundations but called on his fellow leaders to support the country's early hosting.

"It is my pleasure to announce that the Philippines is ready to take the helm and chair ASEAN in 2026. We will fortify the foundations of our Community-building and navigate ASEAN as it embarks on a new chapter," he said.

"We will count on the support of fellow Member States and continue to work with our partners to strengthen ASEAN Centrality, and to promote peace, security, stability, and prosperity in the region," he added.

Indonesia is the chair of this year's summits. Indonesia President Joko Widodo will turn over the chairmanship to Lao PDR Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone in a ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 7.

The chairmanship of ASEAN is rotated among its member states in alphabetical order. The Philippines last hosted and chaired ASEAN in 2017 which coincided with the regional bloc's 50th anniversary.

The country was supposed to chair ASEAN in 2027, in time for its 60th anniversary, after Malaysia. However, its chairmanship was pushed to a year earlier after Myanmar reportedly decided to let go of its place in the rotation.

The junta-ruled Myanmar reportedly gave up its 2026 ASEAN chairmanship due to its domestic situation and lack of preparations.

The junta's generals have been barred from attending the bloc's high-level meetings since 2022.