President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. arrived in Cebu on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, to attend the 48th ASEAN Summit, where the Philippines serves as host. The heads of state participating in various meetings to address issues and concerns of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) began arriving on May 8, 2026.
Arrival of ASEAN Leaders
On Thursday morning, the Prime Minister of Timor Leste, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, arrived, followed by the Prime Minister of Vietnam, Le Minh Hung, at noon. In the afternoon, the Prime Minister of Cambodia, Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, arrived, followed by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato Seri Anwar Bin Ibrahim, and the President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto. The Prime Minister of Singapore, Lawrence Wong, and the Prime Minister of Thailand, Anutin Charnvirakul, also arrived.
Preliminary Meetings
The 27th ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Council Meeting was held, led by Philippine Trade Secretary Cristina A. Roque. Discussions focused on energy resilience, food security, and safety measures that could be implemented in the region. Each state was encouraged not to waste the current crisis but to turn it into an opportunity to innovate methods that would aid the development of nations.
A meeting for the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines (BIMP-EAGA) summit was also held, aiming to unify development efforts in those countries for the years leading up to 2035. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the meeting, hoping that all agreements would be implemented and acted upon promptly.
Meanwhile, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro chaired the 31st ASEAN Political-Security Community Council meeting, which reaffirmed the commitment and principles of ASEAN states in ensuring order, stability, and resilience amid the ongoing crisis. The meeting also discussed visions for the ASEAN Community in 2045, ensuring a united and collective resolve in the region for every challenge that arises.
Upcoming Events
Today, May 8, a welcoming ceremony will be held, followed by a series of related meetings, a press conference by the president, and a Gala Dinner. The leaders are expected to return home after these events.
