Philippines needs P22 billion for 2026 ASEAN summit – Palace

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines needs P22 billion to prepare for its hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in 2026, Malacañang said yesterday.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said the regional event is “a very important part” of the Philippines’ international relations and preparing for it is a “gargantuan” task.

“It is a showcase of Philippine politics, Philippine leadership and Philippine social condition. It involves a huge effort... We may require P22 billion to prepare,” Bersamin told Palace reporters after the signing of the 2025 budget.

He noted that the government has to pay rent for the summit venues, including the Philippine International Convention Center, which is owned by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

According to the Executive Secretary, Congress increased the Office of the President’s proposed budget for next year by P5.2 billion so the executive branch could begin hosting preparations. President Marcos’ office originally requested P10.5 billion in funding for next year.

“We needed to start the work now. So we asked for funds,” the Executive Secretary said.

“After 2025, we will ask for more, bigger (budget) but that will be in the NEP (National Expenditure Program) that will be submitted in 2025 for 2026,” he added.

Myanmar was supposed to host the 2026 ASEAN Summit but was replaced by the Philippines because of the political crisis it is experiencing. Malaysia will host next year’s regional meet.

Meanwhile, the Philippines has concluded its six-month tenure as chair of the Asia Pacific Group (APG) as Manila championed the region’s voice in key international organizations based in Vienna, Austria, representing 54 member-states.

During a turnover ceremony in Vienna, the Philippines officially passed the chairmanship to fellow ASEAN member Vietnam.

Representatives from Palestine, Malaysia, Myanmar, China, Singapore, Laos, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Japan, Lebanon, Iran and India expressed their gratitude to the outgoing Philippine chair for enhancing the group’s visibility and influence within the international organizations in Vienna and ensuring high-level participation and representation in expert group and annual meetings.

In her remarks, Philippine Ambassador and Permanent Representative Evangelina Bernas emphasized the importance of the group’s representation in fostering impactful collaboration on global issues, ranging from economic development and science to combatting transnational crime.

She also expressed her confidence in Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang of Vietnam, assuring him of the Philippines’ full cooperation as he takes the helm of the APG.

The incoming chair commended the Philippines’ leadership and reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to advancing the collective aspirations of the APG and assured the group of its commitment in fulfilling the responsibilities as the group’s chair.

“As Vietnam assumes the role of coordinator, we look forward to your collaboration in ensuring that the APG perspective is fully reflected in the normative works of various international organizations in Vienna. Vietnam is committed to advancing the collective aspirations of the Asia Pacific Group, in the spirit of unity and solidarity,” Vu said. — Pia Lee-Brago