As the incoming chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Philippines under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is prepared to support regional efforts advocating for a ceasefire in Myanmar, reaffirming the country’s commitment to promoting peace, dialogue, and stability in the region.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Deputy Assistant Secretary Dominic Xavier Imperial on Thursday emphasized that the Philippines’ support for ceasefire initiatives is part of its broader agenda as ASEAN chair in 2026.

“The Philippines will be the incoming chair of ASEAN next year, so ang napag-usapan nila is really how Malaysia, as the current chair, and the Philippines, as the incoming chair, will be able to work together para magkaroon ng progress doon sa nangyari sa Myanmar,” Imperial said.

He added that the Philippines is committed to collaborating with fellow ASEAN member states to strengthen regional cooperation and facilitate constructive engagement in the pursuit of peace in Myanmar.

President Marcos is scheduled to attend the ASEAN Summit Leaders’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur on May 26–27. There, he is expected to emphasize the need to deepen cooperation in support of the ceasefire initiative in Myanmar.

Imperial reiterated ASEAN’s adherence to the principle of non-interference, as enshrined in the ASEAN Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), on the issue of Myanmar’s military leadership.

Imperial also highlighted ASEAN’s united humanitarian response to the crisis. When the earthquake hit a few weeks back in Myanmar, ang talaga po ang naging focus there was the humanitarian assistance for the country,” he said.

“All the ASEAN member states, including the Philippines, of course, na nagbigay po tayo ng tulong sa Myanmar,” he added. | PND