PH to raise WPS issue

Marcos at ASEAN Summit to push for rules-based order

President Marcos Jr. vowed to push for inclusive, rules-based dispute resolution in his attendance to the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits in Laos.

The President made the assurance amid the continued dangerous maneuvers by Chinese ships in the West Philippines Sea.

“As we continue to grapple with sharpening regional tensions, including the recent dangerous incidents in the West Philippine Sea, I intend to champion our advocacies in promoting an open, inclusive, and rules-based international order, and for the peaceful resolution of any disputes in accordance with international law,” Mr. Marcos said.

The President arrived in Laos Tuesday afternoon for a four-day official visit.

The number of Chinese vessels spotted in the WPS increased to 190 from 178 in the past week, the Philippine Navy said yesterday.

Mr. Marcos underscored the importance of the ASEAN Summits as an avenue for the Philippines to discuss issues confronting the region.

This year’s ASEAN Summit had the theme of “Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience.”

“The ASEAN Leaders will explore how we can promote regional connectivity among ASEAN Member States, as well as to strengthen our resilience to promote sustainable development and inclusive growth,” Mr. Marcos said.

The President will also have meetings with ASEAN’s external partners to advance cooperation in food and energy security, trade and investment, supply chain resilience, MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises), and addressing the impacts of climate change.

The ASEAN leaders also will be discussing other issues and geopolitical matters such as the situation in Myanmar and the conflict in Ukraine.

“This administration will continue to ensure that our constructive and deepening engagements with ASEAN, our Dialogue Partners, and stakeholders serve our national interest and the well-being of the Filipino people,” Mr. Marcos said.

Speaker Martin Romualdez, for his part, highlighted the critical importance of the ASEAN gatherings in addressing pressing issues that impact not only the region but also the country’s national interests.

Romualdez, a member of the official Philippine delegation to Laos, said the summits present a valuable venue for dialogue on geopolitical matters and regional cooperation.

“The ASEAN Summits come at a crucial time for the Philippines, as we confront increasing tensions in the West Philippine Sea. President Marcos will articulate the country’s advocacy for the peaceful resolution of disputes, in line with international law. It is vital that we stand united with ASEAN in promoting an open and rules-based order,” he said.

During the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia in May last year, the leaders of the regional bloc called for “self-restraint” in the conduct of activities in the disputed waters, emphasizing the benefits of having the South China Sea as a “sea of peace.”

The ASEAN leaders likewise “further reaffirmed the need to pursue peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with the universally recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.”

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Justice Secretary Jesus Remulla, and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III will serve as the country’s caretakers while the President is overseas.