Marcos Jr. arrives in Malaysia for ASEAN Summit

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has arrived in Malaysia to attend the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, accompanied by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and key cabinet members.

During the summit, Marcos is expected to address regional and global issues including the South China Sea, the bloc's response to US tariffs, and promote the Philippines' stance on the ethical and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence.

He will also participate in the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit, the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, and chair the 16th Brunei, Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit.

Twenty-two documents are expected from the summit, including the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN Vision 2045 and joint statements from the 2nd ASEAN-GCC and ASEAN-GCC-China Summits.

President Marcos tapped Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III as government caretakers during his absence.

The Philippines will hold the ASEAN chairmanship next year, with President Marcos highlighting inclusivity and sustainability as key themes for the bloc.

Key issues to be discussed include rising tensions in the South China Sea, the political crisis in Myanmar, threats to regional peace and maritime security, and the broader impacts of climate change, economic volatility, and digital disruption.