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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Philippines to push 3 key ASEAN documents as Marcos chairs summit in Cebu

Philippines to push 3 key ASEAN documents as Marcos chairs summit in Cebu

Published May 6, 2026 01:15 pm
(ASEAN / Facebook)
(ASEAN / Facebook)
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — The Philippines will push for the endorsement of three key outcome documents during the 48th ASEAN Summit as President Marcos chairs the regional gathering in Cebu this week.
In a press briefing here on Wednesday, May 6, ASEAN Spokesperson Dominic Xavier Imperial said the proposed documents fall under the ASEAN Political-Security Community pillar and will be presented for consideration by ASEAN leaders.

ASEAN Charter amendment

Among the documents is the Cebu Protocol to Amend the Charter of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which would mark the first amendment to the ASEAN Charter since it was signed in 2007. 
Imperial said the move reflects ASEAN’s continuing institutional strengthening, particularly in preparation for Timor-Leste’s full integration into the regional bloc. 

Maritime cooperation

Another document up for endorsement is the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Maritime Cooperation. 
The declaration aims to strengthen regional maritime cooperation 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. 

Middle East crisis response

ASEAN leaders are also expected to consider the ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on the Response to the Middle East Crisis. 
The statement 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. 
Imperial said the document outlines ASEAN’s collective response to the crisis and seeks to strengthen regional coordination during future emergencies. 

Key ASEAN priorities

Imperial said ASEAN leaders will focus on three major priorities during the summit: energy security, food security, and the safety of ASEAN nationals. 
He added that the Philippines will continue advancing its key deliverables in preparatory meetings, including discussions on the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, Timor-Leste’s continued integration, and 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,” Imperial said. 
The Philippines is hosting the 2026 ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together.” 

Related Tags

ASEAN ASEAN Summit DFA Middle East conflict maritime cooperation Dominic Imperial
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