The Philippines' neighbors in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and key international partners joined the country on Friday, June 12, in celebrating its 128th Independence Day, reaffirming support for Manila's leadership and highlighting growing cooperation across the region and beyond.

Congratulatory messages came from ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Britain's King Charles III, and United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Australian Ambassador Marc Innes-Brown and Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya also posted greetings on social media.

In a congratulatory letter addressed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn commended the Philippines for its contributions to regional integration and community-building efforts.

"At the regional level, I commend the Philippines on its substantial contributions to ASEAN community-building and regional integration efforts, particularly during the Philippines' ASEAN Chairship in 2026," Hourn said.

He credited the Philippines for helping guide ASEAN through evolving regional and global challenges.

"Through its leadership, the Philippines has helped steer ASEAN's collective efforts in responding to evolving regional and global challenges, including geopolitical uncertainties, economic resilience, energy and food security, as well as the implementation of ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future," he added.

Hourn also congratulated the Philippines for successfully hosting the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings in Cebu from May 6 to 8.

"The ASEAN Secretariat stands ready to extend its full support to the Philippines and all the ASEAN Member States in realizing the vision of a resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-centered ASEAN Community in 2045," he said.

Britain's King Charles III also extended his greetings to the Philippines, emphasizing the longstanding friendship between the United Kingdom and the Philippines.

In a message shared by the British Embassy in Manila, the monarch and Queen Camilla conveyed their "heartfelt congratulations and warmest good wishes" to Filipinos on the occasion of Independence Day.

"This day serves as a valued opportunity to reflect upon the enduring friendship between our nations. I am deeply encouraged by the strength of our bilateral ties and remain committed to fostering even closer cooperation in the years to come," King Charles said.

The British monarch also underscored the importance of collaboration in addressing climate change and environmental challenges.

"As we face the shared challenges of our time, particularly those concerning the climate and the preservation of our natural world, I am hopeful that our countries may continue to work together in pursuit of meaningful and lasting solutions," he said.

The British Embassy added that the King's thoughts were with those affected by the recent earthquake in Mindanao and reiterated the United Kingdom's support for the Philippines during this difficult period.

In a statement marking Philippine Independence Day, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended Washington's congratulations to the Filipino people while underscoring the deep alliance between the two countries.

"On behalf of the United States of America, I extend my warmest congratulations to the people of the Philippines as you celebrate your Independence Day on June 12," Rubio said.

The US official noted that 2026 marks 80 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the United States, as well as 75 years since the signing of the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty.

"This year, the Philippines and the United States commemorate 80 years of diplomatic relations—a bond forged through the sacrifices of World War II and our shared purpose," Rubio said.

He reaffirmed America's "ironclad mutual defense commitments" to the Philippines and expressed support for the country's ASEAN chairmanship.

"The United States looks forward to deepening our collaboration with the people of the Philippines to advance peace, security, and prosperity in the years ahead," he added.

Innes-Brown also joined Filipinos in commemorating Independence Day, reaffirming the strong and enduring partnership between Australia and the Philippines.

In a message posted on X, the ambassador highlighted the close friendship between the two countries and their growing cooperation across defense, trade, education, and people-to-people exchanges.

Australia and the Philippines have expanded cooperation in recent years through their strategic partnership and shared commitment to regional stability and economic growth.

Kazuya also conveyed his greetings through a post on X, expressing optimism for the future of Philippine-Japan relations as both countries commemorate 70 years of diplomatic ties.

"Maligayang Araw ng Kalayaan! It is a profound honor to join Filipinos in celebrating the country's 128th Independence Day," Endo said.

"As we also commemorate #PHJP70, I'm optimistic that Japan and the Philippines will continue to traverse new frontiers in our enduring friendship. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!" he added.

The Philippines and Japan are marking the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations this year, with both nations continuing to deepen cooperation in defense, infrastructure, trade, and regional security.

The messages from regional and global leaders reflected the Philippines' growing role in ASEAN and the broader Indo-Pacific as the nation commemorated 128 years since the declaration of independence on June 12, 1898.

The greetings also underscored the country's strong diplomatic ties with its allies and partners, highlighting cooperation in security, economic development, climate action, regional integration, and people-to-people exchanges.