CEBU, Philippines: Cebu is set to make history once again, not only as the venue for the 48th Asean Summit but also as the site of one of the regional bloc’s milestones: the first amendment to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Charter since its adoption in 2007.
The proposed amendment, contained in the “Cebu Protocol to Amend the Charter of Asean,” is among three key outcome documents the Philippines will endorse for consideration by regional leaders as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr chairs the summit in Cebu this week.
The protocol represents a significant step toward “strengthening Asean’s institutional framework,” particularly in supporting the full integration of its youngest member, Timor-Leste, into the regional bloc, Asean spokesperson Dominic Xavier Imperial said.
“This will mark the first amendment to the Asean Charter since its signing in 2007. It reflects Asean’s continued institutional strengthening,” Imperial said during a press briefing at the International Media Center in Lapu-Lapu City.
The Asean Charter
The Asean Charter, signed in 2007, serves as the legal and institutional foundation of the bloc, outlining its principles, structures, and decision-making processes.
Aside from the Cebu Protocol, leaders are also expected to endorse the Asean Leaders’ Declaration on Maritime Cooperation, which aims to deepen collaboration among member states on maritime security and governance.
The declaration includes proposals to formalise the Asean Coast Guard Forum as a sectoral body and to establish an Asean Maritime Centre in the Philippines.
Three key documents
A third document up for endorsement is the Asean Leaders’ Statement on the Response to the Middle East Crisis.
The statement stems from two special Asean Foreign Ministers’ meetings convened by the Philippines earlier this year in response to escalating tensions in the region.
It outlines Asean’s collective approach to the crisis and seeks to strengthen coordination mechanisms for future emergencies.
Imperial said these outcome documents align with Asean’s broader priorities for the summit, which include energy security, food security, and the safety of Asean nationals amid global uncertainties.
He added that the Philippines, as this year’s chair, continues to push forward key regional initiatives in parallel meetings.
These include preparations for the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in South-East Asia, ongoing efforts to integrate Timor-Leste, and discussions on the situation in Myanmar.
“At a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty and evolving regional challenges, the Philippines underscores the importance of bolstering the region’s strategic autonomy guided by Asean Centrality,” Imperial said.
The Philippines is hosting the 2026 Asean Summit and Related Meetings under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” with Cebu taking centre stage. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
