President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced Friday the appointment of Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro as special envoy to facilitate a peaceful solution to the Myanmar crisis, as the Philippines assumes the Chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year.
During the national launching of the country’s ASEAN Chairship in 2026, President Marcos said the Philippines will continue to champion peace, stability through dialogue, adherence to international law, and enhanced cooperation on traditional and non-traditional security issues.
The pursuit of peace, stability and dialogue in the region are anchored on ASEAN’s founding principles, the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) and the United Nations Charter, said the President.
“We believe that through cooperation and understanding, ASEAN can further strengthen its role as a force for peace and progress in the global community,” President Marcos said during the launching ceremony held in the historic Intramuros district in Manila.
“In this spirit, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro as the Philippines’ Special Envoy of the Chair on Myanmar,” the President said.
The President expressed confidence that Lazaro will bring a “constructive, principled, and inclusive approach” to supporting the people of Myanmar, guided by the mandate she was given and the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus (5PC).
“Secretary Tess, you better get this done. I already made a promise to everyone,” the President remarked.
The 5PC is a roadmap for peace in Myanmar that was agreed upon by ASEAN Leaders in 2021.
The 5PC consists of the following: immediate cessation of violence; constructive dialogue to seek a peaceful solution; mediation for a dialogue facilitated by a Special Envoy of ASEAN; humanitarian assistance from ASEAN; and meeting by the Special Envoy with all parties concerned in Myanmar.
During its ASEAN Chairship next year, the Philippines will also commemorate the 50th anniversary of the TAC, marking 50 years of cooperation and dialogue in the region and beyond, said the President. | PND
