Asean summit: President Marcos to join leaders

CEBU, Philippines —  President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will join fellow leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during the summit proper on May 8, 2026, alongside representatives from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam, as the region tackles key political, economic, and security issues.

He is also expected to hold a press conference with international and local media covering the event.

Ahead of the summit, Senator Imee Marcos called for stronger regional coordination to address recurring global oil shocks, stressing that energy security should be treated as a shared ASEAN priority.

“The Philippines should push for a collective ASEAN response mechanism to help stabilize fuel supply and prices amid global volatility,” she said in a press conference in Cebu City yesterday, citing the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement as a platform to elevate energy security discussions.

“Let’s make regional emergency response to oil shocks a top priority. If we act as a bloc, we are stronger,” she added.

Marcos noted that ASEAN countries such as Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia are key oil exporters, while Singapore serves as a major refining hub.

She proposed deeper cooperation in oil-sharing arrangements during supply disruptions, stronger coordination on reserves and supply data transparency, and improved information-sharing systems among member states.

“If one country has reserves, there should be a way to share during crises. That kind of bayanihan should extend regionally,” she said.

The senator also renewed calls to fast-track the ASEAN power grid, a long-standing initiative to link electricity systems across Southeast Asia.

She said improved cross-border connectivity, particularly in island regions such as Mindanao and parts of Indonesia, could help stabilize supply and reduce costs.

She further urged easing trade and tax barriers on energy transfers within ASEAN to encourage cooperation during supply disruptions, while emphasizing the Philippines’ need to accelerate its domestic energy transition.

Investments in renewable energy such as wind and solar, as well as emerging technologies like electric vehicles and biodiesel, should be prioritized, she said.

“This is not the first oil shock we’ve faced. The lesson has always been the same: diversify energy sources and reduce dependency,” Marcos stressed, citing the oil crises of the 1970s.

Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings in Cebu. The International Media Center (IMC) will open on May 5, 2026, at the Mactan World Museum in Lapu-Lapu City, serving as the central hub for accredited local and international media.

The IMC is expected to accommodate 800 to 1,000 journalists, providing workstations, media lounges, high-speed internet, briefing halls, broadcast facilities, and support services.

Officials said the IMC underscores the Philippines’ readiness to host the summit and its commitment to efficient media coverage.

Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez and ASEAN National Organizing Council Director-General Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega will lead the opening press briefing, while Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro and Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Cynthia Chan will deliver welcome remarks.

Security preparations

Central Visayas has been fully operationalized to ensure intensified security for the summit, following the formal send-off of more than 10,000 law enforcement and emergency personnel at the Liberty Shrine in Barangay Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City on May 2.

The ceremony was led by Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., PRO-7 Officer-in-Charge PBGen. Arnold Abad, and Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Cynthia Chan, with officials from the Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, Armed Forces, Department of Health, and other agencies in attendance.

Nartatez expressed confidence that Cebu is “shockproof” in hosting major international events, citing the success of the annual Sinulog festival.

“Nandyan sila… Pag-sinamasama mo ‘yan, it will be a wonderful, seamless, and a very successful of any activity, and this activity is an international activity,” he said, assuring that joint security efforts will ensure a safe summit.

He also voiced confidence in Abad’s leadership, noting his experience in managing large events in Manila, including the feast of the Black Nazarene.

On possible rallies coinciding with the summit, Nartatez said PRO-7 is prepared to maintain peace and order. “We are now ready to give the support… Rest assured that these are committed para di naman mahiya ang Lapu-Lapu [City] at ang Pilipinas. Pilipinas ang itataguyod natin dito,” he said. — (FREEMAN)