MANILA — Senator Loren Legarda has urged the Philippines and fellow Southeast Asian nations to ensure that agreements made during the 49th ASEAN Summit translate into concrete advantages for ordinary citizens, emphasizing that the success of the country’s leadership should be evaluated by its tangible impact on people’s lives.
The Philippines is hosting the summit and related meetings in Manila from November 15 to 17, marking the climax of its 2026 ASEAN chairship under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together.” The event also coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, signed at the bloc’s inaugural summit in 1976.
Leaders are set to convene for plenary and retreat sessions on November 15 to review the nation’s three chairship priorities—Peace and Security Anchors, Prosperity Corridors, and People Empowerment—and address regional issues such as Myanmar. Meetings with dialogue partners will follow on November 16 and 17 before leadership hands over to Singapore.
Legarda noted that the summit presents an opportunity to showcase national solidarity and commitment to regional cooperation.
”Sa loob ng tatlong araw, ang Maynila ang magiging sentro ng Timog-Silangang Asya. Ito ay pagkakataon upang ipakita sa daigdig kung sino tayo bilang mga Pilipino: isang bayang may malasakit sa kapwa at naniniwala na ang kinabukasan ng rehiyon ay sama-samang binubuo,” Legarda said.
As a legislator, Legarda stated her responsibility is to back regional commitments with domestic legislation, adequate funding, and proper execution, warning that regional pacts hold little value for Filipino households without corresponding local laws and programs.
Peace and Security
On regional security, Legarda expressed hope for substantial progress between ASEAN and China on the South China Sea Code of Conduct, which has faced negotiations since 2002.
She also urged sustained efforts to resolve the Myanmar crisis through the Five-Point Consensus, pointing to ASEAN’s successful intervention in the July 2024 Thailand-Cambodia border conflict as a model of decisive action.
”When fighting broke out between Thailand and Cambodia in July last year and drove some 300,000 people from their homes, it was ASEAN, through its Chair, that brought both sides to Kuala Lumpur and secured a ceasefire within days. That is what this bloc can do when it resolves to act. I hope our leaders bring that same resolve to the Code of Conduct and to Myanmar,” said Legarda.
Alongside regional talks, Legarda stressed the need to bolster domestic maritime capabilities, pushing for Senate Bill No. 832, the proposed Philippine Coast Guard Strengthening and Modernization Act, to protect local fishermen and marine resources.
Inclusive Economic Growth
To support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)—which comprise roughly two-thirds of Philippine employment—Legarda called for strong safeguards in the proposed ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement as the bloc targets a $2 trillion digital economy by 2030.
”When the Senate concurred in RCEP, we insisted that market access be matched by safeguards and support for our farmers and small entrepreneurs. The digital economy agreement signed in Manila should be held to the same standard, so that a weaver in Abra, a fisherman in Palawan, and a young entrepreneur in Cebu can sell to the region as easily as a large corporation,” Legarda said.
She noted existing local safeguards like Republic Act No. 11967 (Internet Transactions Act of 2023) and pushed for pending measures including Senate Bill No. 160 (Pangkabuhayan Act) and Senate Bill No. 1261 (Online Network Philippines Act).
Additionally, she highlighted the creative economy—which generated ₱2.12 trillion, or 7.6% of the country’s GDP in 2025—and supported legislation like Senate Bill No. 799 for handloom weaving communities.
”Ang mga batas ay nariyan na. Ang hamon ay ipatupad ang mga ito nang buo at may pondo, upang ang pangako ng ASEAN ay maramdaman ng manghahabi, ng mangingisda, at ng maliit na negosyante,” she said.
Putting People at the Center
Welcoming engagements with parliamentarians, business figures, and youth, Legarda emphasized that the summit must prioritize vulnerable groups, including informal workers, urban poor, and rural communities.
Recalling international assistance provided by Malaysia and Singapore following Severe Tropical Storm Kristine in October 2024, she underscored the importance of localized solidarity.
”Noong hagupitin ng Bagyong Kristine ang Bicol noong Oktubre 2024, dumating ang mga eroplano ng Malaysia at Singapore upang tumulong sa relief sa Naga. Iyon ang ASEAN na naramdaman ng mga Bicolano. Umaasa ako na ganoon din ang mararamdaman ng tindera sa Baclaran, ng tsuper sa Roxas Boulevard, at ng mangingisda ng Masinloc sa bawat kasunduang pipirmahan sa Maynila,” she said.