Marcos calls Asean a ‘safe harbor,’ urges end to violent conflicts

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., as chair of the 2026 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summits, called for an end to violent conflicts during his fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday.

“And more significantly, we in Asean, joined by the entirety of Filipinos who by nature are peace-loving, reecho our unified appeal for an end to violent conflicts,” he said.

Marcos added: “We appeal to all parties for a heightened sense of community: return to the table, armed only with a genuine desire for peace and normalcy. True diplomacy builds. Violent conflict only destroys.”

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Describing Asean as a “safe harbor,” he said the regional bloc is where the Philippines shares not only geographic proximity with its neighbors but also an affinity with them.

“During our chairship of the Asean Summit this year, we advocated for greater solidarity and cooperation among Asean Member States. Together, we found ways to alleviate the dire consequences of the war in the Middle East,” Marcos said.

“Through a united Asean and its strong extended network, we have achieved greater security and resilience — as a region and as individual nations — more capable of withstanding disruptive events,” the President added.

Additionally, he noted that the Asean Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve System will ensure an emergency rice supply in case there is a shortage in domestic production.

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READ: Marcos: Asean condemns Middle East tensions

“The Asean Digital Economy Framework will harmonize digital rules and enable cross-border digital transactions. It will accelerate the growth of our local tech sector, enable fintech and digital banking solutions, and support financial inclusion, especially for small enterprises,” he continued.

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The Framework Agreement on Petroleum Security for the joint stockpiling of energy assets in the Asean has also been ratified, he said.

“And now that our Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao grids are fully connected — we are in a better position to connect with our neighbors to help realize the Asean Power Grid,” Marcos said.

“Moved by our stark realizations, Asean must further strengthen the bonds of our regional cooperation, building on our sense of filiation and a heightened instinct for mutual assistance. This is international ‘bayanihan’ for this part of the world,” he also said. /dl

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