NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Marcos Joins ASEAN Leaders In Malaysia, Calls For Unity On South China Sea And Climate Action
Photo credit: PCO
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is in Malaysia today, May 26, 2025, for the 46th ASEAN Summit, where he’s joining fellow Southeast Asian leaders for important talks on the region’s future. Held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, the summit carries the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”—a timely reminder that progress should leave no one behind.
This year’s summit, chaired by Malaysia, is more than just a meet-and-greet. It's a call for stronger regional cooperation, especially in ensuring peace, economic stability, and a shared sustainable future. And President Marcos Jr. is making sure the Philippines has a strong voice in those conversations.
According to Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Maria Angela Ponce, one of the key issues the President is expected to raise is the long-delayed Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea. As the Philippines gears up to chair ASEAN in the near future, Marcos is pushing for more focused negotiations to wrap up the COC by 2026. It’s a priority not just for the country but for the entire region, given the ongoing tensions in the contested waters.
But it’s not just about diplomacy and defense. President Marcos is also putting the spotlight on climate change—a challenge that’s hitting the Philippines especially hard. As the current host of the UN’s Loss and Damage Fund Board, the country is in a unique position to lead the conversation on climate security and disaster preparedness. Marcos is expected to call for stronger regional cooperation to protect vulnerable communities and build long-term resilience.
As the 46th ASEAN Summit unfolds, it’s clear the region is facing big challenges—but also big opportunities. And with the Philippines stepping up its role, there’s hope for more united, inclusive, and sustainable solutions ahead.
This year’s summit, chaired by Malaysia, is more than just a meet-and-greet. It's a call for stronger regional cooperation, especially in ensuring peace, economic stability, and a shared sustainable future. And President Marcos Jr. is making sure the Philippines has a strong voice in those conversations.
According to Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Maria Angela Ponce, one of the key issues the President is expected to raise is the long-delayed Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea. As the Philippines gears up to chair ASEAN in the near future, Marcos is pushing for more focused negotiations to wrap up the COC by 2026. It’s a priority not just for the country but for the entire region, given the ongoing tensions in the contested waters.
But it’s not just about diplomacy and defense. President Marcos is also putting the spotlight on climate change—a challenge that’s hitting the Philippines especially hard. As the current host of the UN’s Loss and Damage Fund Board, the country is in a unique position to lead the conversation on climate security and disaster preparedness. Marcos is expected to call for stronger regional cooperation to protect vulnerable communities and build long-term resilience.
As the 46th ASEAN Summit unfolds, it’s clear the region is facing big challenges—but also big opportunities. And with the Philippines stepping up its role, there’s hope for more united, inclusive, and sustainable solutions ahead.
May 26, 2025
We are dedicated storytellers with a passion for bringing your brand to life. Our services range from news and media features to brand promotion and collaborations.
Interested? Visit our
Contact Us page for more information. To learn more about what we offer, check out our latest article on services and opportunities.
