MANILA: (Bernama-PNA) President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. remains optimistic that negotiations for a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea (SCS) will be finalised during the Philippines’ chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), Philippines News Agency (PNA) reported.
In a press briefing on Thursday (Nov 12), Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Marcos still wanted the long-awaited agreement to be concluded during the Philippines’ term as Asean chair in 2026.
"For now, we cannot say whether it will indeed fail to reach a conclusion at the 49th Summit.
"The President still wants it to be finalised while the Philippines is Asean chair,” Castro said.
She made the statement following reports that the conclusion of the COC may not be expected during the upcoming Asean Leaders’ Summit.
Asked about the current status of negotiations for a binding and effective COC, Castro declined to provide details, saying the Department of Foreign Affairs is in a better position to discuss the matter.
"I am not authorised to disclose details about this, so let us allow the days to pass and hope for a better outcome,” she said.
Despite the uncertainty over the agreement’s completion, Castro maintained that the Marcos administration remains hopeful.
"Every day, there should be hope,” Castro said.
Marcos expressed hope that a legally binding COC in the SCS would be finalised by the end of 2026, with the Philippines seeking to advance negotiations during its Asean chairship. - Bernama-PNA
