By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency
Malacañang on Friday said the Philippines will continue engaging with Myanmar following the election of military leader Min Aung Hlaing, who was elected president through a parliamentary vote.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Philippines is taking note of recent political developments in Myanmar, particularly the election of Min Aung as president.
“The Philippines will continue to engage relevant authorities and stakeholders in Myanmar through Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, in her capacity as Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair to Myanmar, as well as through our respective embassies,” Castro said.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has sought to mediate the crisis through its Five-Point Consensus, which calls for immediate cessation of violence, inclusive dialogue, humanitarian assistance, and the appointment of a special envoy.
In November 2025, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. appointed Lazaro as the Philippines’ Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair to Myanmar, as part of the country’s role in supporting regional efforts to address the crisis in Myanmar.
Castro said the Philippines remains committed to supporting ASEAN’s collective efforts and urged renewed momentum toward the “full and effective” implementation of the Five Point Consensus.
The Philippines, she said, hopes to achieve the cessation of violence and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people of Myanmar.
Min Aung, who has led Myanmar’s military government since the February 2021 coup, was elected president by a military-dominated parliament, consolidating his hold on power amid ongoing political turmoil.
The 2021 coup ousted the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi and triggered widespread protests, armed resistance, and international condemnation, plunging the country into prolonged instability.
Since then, Myanmar has faced escalating violence between the military and various resistance groups.
The military authorities have defended their actions as necessary to restore order and have pledged to hold elections. (PNA)
