Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr delivering a speech at the launch of the country's chairmanship of Asean for 2026, at a ceremony in Manila on Nov 14. -ST PHOTO: MARA CEPEDA
MANILA: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr on Friday (Nov 14) launched the Philippines’ year-long chairmanship of Asean in 2026, setting the tone for how Manila intends to steer the regional grouping amid rising geopolitical tensions and questions over its relevance.
The Philippines is taking the helm at a time when Asean faces deepening divisions over the South China Sea, stalled reform efforts in Myanmar and growing scrutiny over the ability of the 11-nation association to manage great-power rivalry.
