MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has announced that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. remains hopeful that the long-delayed South China Sea Code of Conduct (COC) will be finalized during the Philippines’ chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
While acknowledging that a final conclusion remains uncertain before the country’s hosting concludes, Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized the administration’s positive outlook during a press briefing on Thursday, November 12.
“Sa ngayon, hindi rin natin masasabi kung talagang hindi na ito magkakaroon ng konklusyon sa 49th ASEAN Summit dahil ang gusto pa rin ng Pangulo ay ito ay maisapinal sa panahon na ang Pilipinas ang siyang ASEAN chair,” Castro said.
“Bawat araw dapat may Pag-asa,” Castro added.
Castro reiterated that Marcos is deeply committed to maintaining regional harmony and pursuing constructive diplomatic accords.
“Ang nais ng pangulo ay magandang makikipag-relasyon sa lahat ng bansa at kung anuman ang maaaring maging agreement para sa kapayapaan ng rehiyon, iyon ang nais ng pangulo,” she stated.
Negotiations for the Code of Conduct—involving ASEAN member states and China—aim to establish a binding framework to manage regional tensions, govern maritime behavior, and preserve security in the contested waters.