President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has designated Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro to serve as the Philippines' Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair on Myanmar, marking a significant diplomatic appointment during the launch of the country's ASEAN 2026 chairship.
A Strategic Appointment for Regional Stability
The announcement came during the official launch event at Foro de Intramuros in Manila on Friday, November 14, 2025. President Marcos expressed strong confidence in Secretary Lazaro's ability to handle the delicate Myanmar situation, emphasizing her qualifications for the challenging role.
"We are confident that she shall bring a constructive, principled, and inclusive approach to supporting the people of Myanmar, guided by her mandate and the Five-Point Consensus," President Marcos stated during his address.
The Mandate and Expectations
In a more personal note that underscored the urgency of the mission, the President directly addressed Secretary Lazaro, saying: "Secretary Tess, you better get this done. I already made a promise to everyone." This remark highlights the Philippines' commitment to advancing peace and stability throughout Southeast Asia.
The President further elaborated that this diplomatic effort would prioritize dialogue, strict adherence to international law, and enhanced cooperation on both traditional and non-traditional security challenges facing the region.
Addressing Myanmar's Political Crisis
Lazaro's concurrent role as ASEAN Special Envoy operates under the framework of the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus, which outlines several critical objectives:
- Immediate cessation of violence in Myanmar
- Facilitation of constructive dialogue among all parties involved
- Appointment of a dedicated ASEAN Special Envoy
- Coordination of humanitarian assistance
- Engagement with all concerned stakeholders
Myanmar has been grappling with a severe political crisis since the military coup in February 2021, presenting ongoing challenges to ASEAN's conflict mediation capabilities and regional stability efforts.
The ASEAN Special Envoy position serves as a crucial diplomatic mechanism designed to facilitate dialogue and coordinate humanitarian support in accordance with the Five-Point Consensus framework.
President Marcos concluded with an optimistic outlook, expressing belief that through continued cooperation and mutual understanding, ASEAN can strengthen its position as "a force for peace and progress in the global community."
