PASAY CITY, Philippines — The Philippines will maintain the scheduled activities for the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits, despite the anticipated late arrival of U.S. President Donald Trump on November 17, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced on Friday, November 13.
Speaking during a DFA briefing at the International Media Center in Pasay City, ASEAN 2026 spokesperson and Deputy Director-General Dominic Xavier Imperial assured that preparations and key events, such as the closing ceremony, remain on track.
“Nothing will be pushed back,” Imperial said. “We will proceed as planned with regard to the preparations, especially for the closing ceremony.”
Trump is scheduled to arrive in Manila on Tuesday, November 17, to join the ASEAN-U.S. Special Summit on the final day of the regional gathering, which runs from November 15 to 17 under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together.”
“However, as I mentioned earlier, the day will culminate with the ASEAN-U.S. Special Summit,” Imperial said. “That summit will still take place despite the late arrival of the President.”
Leaders-Only Format for Candid Talks
The upcoming ASEAN-U.S. Special Summit will utilize a leaders-only format to facilitate open and direct dialogues between regional heads and the United States, covering comprehensive topics like trade, investment, education, and technology.
“It is being referred to as a Special Summit only because of the format,” Imperial explained. “The intent of ASEAN and the United States is to have a more candid discussion during this summit. When we planned this summit, an important consideration was leaders-only participation. That would enable the leaders to candidly discuss the agenda set for the summit and identify the measures that need to be addressed.”
Imperial added that specific agreements and outcomes from these discussions will be highlighted in the summit’s official document.
Bilateral Engagements and Chairship Handover
Beyond the special summit, Trump is expected to participate in bilateral meetings on November 18, though further details remain pending.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is also set to hold bilateral talks with Trump, alongside meetings with leaders from Australia, Brazil, Japan, and South Korea, while discussions with India, Laos, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres are currently being finalized.
The regional gathering will feature the 29th ASEAN Plus Three Summit and the 21st East Asia Summit, addressing pressing regional issues including the situation in Myanmar, South China Sea developments, energy and food security, digital integration, transnational crime, and migrant worker welfare.
The Philippines will formally conclude its 2026 ASEAN chairship during the closing ceremony, handing over regional leadership to Singapore.