By Brian Campued
The Philippines as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year will endorse three key outcome documents under the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) pillar, ahead of the summit proper in Cebu on May 8.
In a press briefing at the International Media Center in Lapu-Lapu City on Wednesday, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Deputy Assistant Secretary for ASEAN Affairs and ASEAN spokesperson Dominic Xavier Imperial said these documents include the ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on the Response to the Middle East Crisis, which outlines the regional bloc’s collective position on the geopolitical conflict following two special ASEAN foreign ministers’ meetings convened in March and April.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and his fellow ASEAN leaders are expected to prioritize energy security, food security, and the safety of ASEAN nationals abroad amid the tensions in the Middle East, which has resulted in global oil shocks.
“At a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty and evolving regional challenges, the Philippines underscores the importance of bolstering the region’s strategic autonomy guided by ASEAN Centrality, enhancing our coordination as a community of nations, and reaffirming our resolve to the long-standing principles of international law,” Imperial said.
During the same briefing, Philippine ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Council Minister and DTI Usec. Allan Gepty underscored the need to deepen coordination and cooperation between ASEAN member states as “national responses are not sufficient.”
Gepty said ASEAN’s importance becomes even more evident during times of crisis.
“When energy prices rise, supply chains tighten, and inflationary pressures build, ASEAN provides a platform for stability,” Gepty said.
“Through regional cooperation, we help keep trade flowing, avoid unnecessary restrictions, and maintain investor confidence,” he added.
Another proposed document is the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Maritime Cooperation, which promotes concrete initiatives in managing territorial waters such as the inclusion of the ASEAN Coast Guard Forum (ACF) as an ASEAN sectoral body and the proposed establishment of an ASEAN Maritime Center in the Philippines.
Meanwhile, the Cebu Protocol to Amend the ASEAN Charter will also be endorsed, marking the first amendment to the ASEAN Charter since its adoption in 2007.
“This amendment specifically pertains to Timor-Leste’s full integration into the regional bloc, reflecting ASEAN’s continued institutional strengthening,” Imperial said.
The three pillars of the ASEAN Community aimed at promoting regional integration include the APSC, AEC, and ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC).
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