President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. revealed a deepening sense of impatience among Southeast Asian leaders regarding the stagnant crisis in Myanmar, describing the situation as a “thorny problem” with no clear resolution in sight.
During the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu City, Marcos noted that discussions during a closed-door retreat on Friday were “very vibrant” as member-states voiced their collective exasperation over the lack of progress in the years-long humanitarian and political conflict.
Despite the bloc’s adherence to the Five-Point Consensus framework, the peace process has remained largely paralyzed.
“It’s still a thorny problem for which we cannot say that there are obvious solutions,” Marcos admitted.
The President emphasized that the regional bloc is now seeking ways to revitalize what he termed a “moribund” diplomatic effort.
While the Five-Point Consensus remains the primary roadmap—focusing on the cessation of violence and humanitarian aid—Marcos acknowledged that its implementation has stalled significantly.
“We all agree that we would like to see more progress,” Marcos said. “We all should try very hard to find ways to shift what has become a moribund process right now. It is not moving.”
Despite the lack of a breakthrough, Marcos hinted at a “nano-shift” in the bloc’s approach, even as internal divisions persist. Thailand has advocated for closer engagement due to shared border security, while others, like Malaysia, remain firm that Myanmar has not done enough to earn its way back into high-level summits.
Nevertheless, Marcos insisted that Myanmar remains an essential part of the regional community.
“There has been a nano-shift, perhaps, in the approach to the situation in Myanmar,” he said.
“Myanmar is not merely a trade partner. Myanmar is not merely a friend to ASEAN. Myanmar is part of the ASEAN family,” he said. “And it is a tragedy when a family member is left out of the family for whatever reason.”
While ASEAN foreign ministers have been tasked with exploring fresh strategies to break the deadlock, the summit concluded with a sober recognition that the current path has yet to yield meaningful results.