Ph to endorse ‘Cebu Protocol’ at ASEAN Summit

Local

THE "Cebu Protocol" or to Amend the Charter of the ASEAN, which was first signed in Cebu in 2007, will be endorsed by the Philippines for consideration by regional leaders during the 48th ASEAN Summit.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. chairs the summit as the country pushes three outcome documents under the ASEAN Political-Security Community pillar.

“Specifically, under the ASEAN APSC (ASEAN Political-Security Community) Pillar, we are working toward the endorsement of three important outcome documents for the consideration of the ASEAN Leaders,” ASEAN Spokesperson Dominic Xavier Imperial said during a press briefing at the International Media Center on Wednesday, May 6.

Imperial said the proposed amendment marks the first change to the ASEAN Charter since its signing and reflects efforts to strengthen the regional bloc, including support for Timor-Leste’s full integration.

Leaders will also consider the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Maritime Cooperation, which includes proposals to recognize the ASEAN Coast Guard Forum as a sectoral body and to establish an ASEAN Maritime Centre in the Philippines.

Another document up for endorsement is the ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on the Response to the Middle East Crisis, which stems from two Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ meetings convened by the Philippines in March and April.

“The Leaders’ Statement outlines ASEAN’s collective response to the crisis while building the foundations for stronger coordination in future emergencies,” Imperial said.

He said leaders will focus on energy security, food security, and the safety of ASEAN nationals, while the Philippines advances priorities such as the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, Timor-Leste’s integration, and developments 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, enhancing our coordination as a community of nations, and reaffirming our resolve to the long-standing principles of international law,” Imperial said.

During the same briefing, Trade Undersecretary Allan Gepty warned of rising economic pressure linked to the Middle East crisis, including higher fuel costs, supply chain strain, and inflation.

The Philippines called for stronger regional coordination to address these risks, with Gepty pointing to ASEAN’s role in keeping trade open and sustaining growth.

“These are not abstract ideas. These are everyday advantages that come from our regional cooperation,” Gepty said.

He said ASEAN integration gives producers and farmers access to larger markets, allows small businesses to join regional value chains, and creates jobs through cross-border investments.

Gepty said no country can manage external shocks alone and urged deeper cooperation in energy, food, logistics, and supply chains.

“A more integrated ASEAN is not just an aspiration. It is a necessity,” he said.

He added that Cebu supports regional trade, tourism, and maritime links, helping move goods and services across the region.

The Philippines, as ASEAN chair, continues to push initiatives such as the ASEAN Power Grid, sustainable agriculture systems, investments in green sectors, and rules for digital trade, while advancing agreements including the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement.

The 2026 ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings carry the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together.”(MyTVCebu)