The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Organizing Council urged Filipinos on Monday to show respect and cooperation as the country prepares to host the 49th ASEAN Summit next week.
Running from November 16 to 18 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City, the summit will welcome over 20 delegations, including representatives from the 11 ASEAN member states.
Retired Maj. Gen. Potenciano Camba, the council’s deputy director general for operations, noted that security protocols and traffic management plans are fully established.
Proclamation No. 1447 has declared November 16, 17, and 18 as special non-working days in the National Capital Region to minimize traffic congestion and safeguard participants.
“We have informed our fellow Filipinos to adjust their daily routines. The MMDA, our partner under the Committee on Security, alongside local government units, has already issued a rerouting plan,” Camba said.
Addressing groups planning demonstrations, Camba acknowledged constitutional rights to assembly while appealing for restraint during the international event.
“Let us hear the voices of our countrymen. The Philippine National Police is fully prepared and capable of managing these situations. However, it would be much better if our fellow Filipinos held their protests after the summit because it would look bad if we have demonstrations while we have visitors,” he stated, comparing the hosting duties to welcoming guests into a home.
To safeguard the proceedings, the council is collaborating with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to mitigate potential cyberthreats and curb the spread of misinformation, urging the public to share only verified details.
The Philippines assumed the ASEAN chairmanship from Malaysia earlier this year and is expected to formally transfer leadership to Singapore—the host for 2027—at the conclusion of the summit.