By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. remains optimistic that negotiations for a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea (SCS) will be finalized during the Philippines’ chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Malacañang said Thursday.
In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Usec. Claire Castro said the President still wanted the long- awaited agreement to be concluded during the Philippines’ term as ASEAN chair in 2026.
“Sa ngayon, hindi rin natin masasabi kung talagang hindi na ito magkakaroon ng konklusyon sa 49th ASEAN Summit. Ang gusto pa rin ng Pangulo ay ito ay maisapinal sa panahon na ang Pilipinas ang siyang ASEAN chair.”
She made the statement following reports that the conclusion of the COC may not be expected during the upcoming ASEAN Leaders’ Summit.
Asked about the current status of negotiations for a binding and effective COC, Usec. Castro declined to provide details, saying the Department of Foreign Affairs is in a better position to discuss the matter.
The Malacañang official said, “Hindi po ako makakapagsalita, hindi ako authorized person to tell details about the same so hayaan po natin na lumawig ang mga araw at hayaan natin na mas maging maganda ang resulta.”
Despite the uncertainty over the agreement’s completion, she maintained that the Marcos Jr. administration remains hopeful, “Bawat araw, dapat may pagasa.”
The Chief Executive expressed hope that a legally binding COC in the SCS would be finalized by the end of 2026, with the Philippines seeking to advance negotiations during its ASEAN chairship.
