MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has defended the government’s ₱22.9-billion budget allocation for hosting the 2026 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, dismissing criticisms that the spending is driven by the President’s vanity.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated during a press briefing on Thursday, November 12, that the funds serve as a long-term investment for the country and its workforce rather than personal luxury for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“To suffer? Because of the vanity of the President? Bakit ang Pangulo ba ang nagpapaganda sa sarili niya?”
“Ano ba ang pinapaganda natin—hindi ba ang Pilipinas?” Castro added.
Castro emphasized that the extensive preparations—including infrastructure upgrades, venue renovations at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), and security deployments—are designed to build investor confidence and showcase the country positively.
“Anong gusto nilang makita sa ating bansa, isang maduming bansa?” she said.
“Huwag ipahid kay Pangulo ang lahat ng mga pagbibintang nila nang walang anumang basehan. Hindi mismo ang Pangulo ang nagpapaganda sa sarili niya, ang pinapaganda niya ay bansa at ang kapakanan ng bawat Pilipino,” she added.
According to the Palace official, the ₱22.9 billion represents total allocated funding rather than immediate expenditures, assuring the public that all expenses will undergo a final accounting and Commission on Audit (COA) scrutiny.
The hosting timeline spans two major milestones: meetings in Cebu from May 8 to 9, and the main summit in Metro Manila in November 2026. Security measures will involve over 22,900 police personnel, alongside support from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.
Castro also addressed criticism regarding security barriers and aesthetic coverings along airport routes, explaining that they serve safety purposes while featuring local artwork.
“Parte ito ng seguridad at…sa aking nakita, mayroon tayong nakitang mga arts na ginawa,” she said.
“Ito ay pagmamalaki na rin kung ano ang kakayahan ng mga kinikilala nating mga artist sa Pilipinas,” she added.
Highlighting the anticipated economic and diplomatic gains, Castro noted that the country expects to oversee over 550 total meetings during its chairship, focusing on regional trade agreements, job creation, and energy security.
Marcos similarly stressed in a vlog that the summit will prioritize pressing issues like food prices and national security.