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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marcos, Rubio set to meet on sidelines of ASEAN ministerial meetings

Marcos, Rubio set to meet on sidelines of ASEAN ministerial meetings

Published Jul 20, 2026 02:30 pm

At A Glance

  • President Marcos is scheduled to meet United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of next week's ASEAN ministerial meetings in Manila, Malacañang confirmed.
  • The Palace said details of the meeting, including its schedule and agenda, will be announced later.
  • Rubio's visit marks his first trip to the Philippines as U.S. Secretary of State and comes amid efforts by Manila and Washington to deepen their alliance.
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (PCO/AP/Manila Bulletin)
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (PCO/AP/Manila Bulletin)

President Marcos will meet United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio this week as Rubio joins the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) ministerial meetings in Manila, Malacañang confirmed on Monday, July 20.

In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed that a courtesy call between Marcos and Rubio has been scheduled but said details of the meeting have yet to be finalized.

"Ibibigay ko po sa inyo iyong detalye, kapag ako po ay nabigyan na ng basbas na magsabi patungkol dito (I will provide you the details once I am authorized to disclose them)," she said.

Castro did not say when the meeting would take place or identify the issues expected to be discussed.

The meeting will coincide with the Philippines' hosting of the week-long ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and related meetings, where Rubio is among the foreign ministers who have confirmed their attendance.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Spokesperson on ASEAN Matters Dominic Xavier Imperial earlier said Rubio would participate in this week's meetings, although the specific ministerial sessions he will attend will depend on his schedule.

Rubio's visit will be his first to the Philippines since assuming office as America's top diplomat and comes as Manila and Washington continue to strengthen cooperation on defense, maritime security, economic engagement, and other regional issues.

The Philippines and the United States have deepened security cooperation under the Marcos administration through the implementation of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), expanded joint military exercises, and increased coordination on maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Rubio is expected to join other foreign ministers from ASEAN's dialogue partners during a series of ministerial meetings that will discuss regional security, economic cooperation, the South China Sea, Myanmar, and other geopolitical issues affecting the Indo-Pacific.

The ministerial week will culminate in meetings involving the ASEAN Regional Forum, the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers' Meeting, and commemorative activities marking the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation.

Related Tags

President Marcos Bongbong Marcos Claire Castro Marco Rubio ASEAN PH-US
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