The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has officially entered a new chapter. Following Malaysia’s chairmanship in 2025, the Philippines will assume the role of ASEAN Chair for 2026, hosting both the 48th and 49th ASEAN Summits.
While this leadership shift may seem procedural, it carries significant strategic meaning. The Philippines will take the helm at a time when regional tensions are rising and the bloc’s unity is once again being tested. Manila’s upcoming chairmanship is expected to center on maritime cooperation, digital transformation, and economic resilience, three pillars that mirror both its national priorities and ASEAN’s long-term vision.
Though official agendas have not yet been confirmed, early discussions and policy signals provide hints of what the 2026 chairmanship may look like under the Philippines’ leadership.
Maritime Security and the South China Sea Focus
One of the defining themes of the Philippines’ chairmanship will likely be maritime security. The country has consistently advocated for the freedom of navigation and a rules-based order in regional waters, especially in the South China Sea.
As ASEAN Chair, Manila is expected to push for tangible progress on the long-delayed Code of Conduct (COC) negotiations between ASEAN and China. For years, the talks have stalled, but with Manila’s renewed assertiveness, there could be stronger calls to establish a legally binding framework that safeguards sovereignty and ensures peace in disputed waters.
Hosting the summit will also allow the Philippines to bring greater attention to maritime incidents that threaten regional stability. By leveraging its position, Manila may seek to balance advocacy for its own national interests with its role as a neutral facilitator of regional consensus, a delicate but crucial test of leadership.
Strengthening Human Capital and Public Services
Beyond geopolitics, the Philippines is also likely to highlight human development and regional inclusivity. As one of the region’s largest exporters of skilled labor, the Philippines understands the importance of improving standards for migrant workers and advancing education and healthcare cooperation.
Observers expect Manila to propose a new framework for regional labor mobility, aiming to standardize vocational qualifications across ASEAN. The country’s strong English-speaking workforce and experience in overseas employment could make it a natural leader in shaping such initiatives.
Additionally, the Philippines is likely to encourage the creation of a people-centered ASEAN Community, where cross-border cooperation in health, education, and public service delivery becomes a shared goal rather than a national one.
Climate Resilience and Disaster Preparedness
Another area that could dominate the agenda is climate action and disaster management. Southeast Asia is one of the world’s most disaster-prone regions, and the Philippines is often at the forefront of responding to typhoons, floods, and volcanic eruptions.
As chair, Manila is expected to advocate for a more integrated regional approach to climate resilience and disaster preparedness. This could include establishing a shared early warning system, promoting sustainable energy transition, and seeking climate finance partnerships with ASEAN’s dialogue partners.
Such efforts would align with ASEAN’s broader vision for sustainable development while also reflecting the Philippines’ domestic experience in dealing with extreme weather events.
Inherited Challenges: Myanmar and the South China Sea
The Philippines’ leadership in 2026 will not start on a blank slate. Two long-standing regional issues will continue to challenge ASEAN unity: the South China Sea disputes and the Myanmar crisis.
On the South China Sea, the Philippines will face the difficult task of managing tensions while representing ASEAN’s collective voice. The expectation is not for Manila to take sides, but to guide the conversation toward constructive solutions through diplomacy and multilateral mechanisms.
Meanwhile, the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) on Myanmar remains a persistent concern. As ASEAN Chair, the Philippines will be expected to find ways to reinvigorate discussions on restoring peace and humanitarian access, potentially exploring creative approaches that uphold ASEAN’s principle of non-interference while addressing the humanitarian situation.
What Dialogue Partners Will Be Watching
The 2026 summits in Manila will also attract global attention. Major powers like the United States and China will closely observe how the Philippines balances its close security alliance with Washington and its need to maintain solidarity with other ASEAN members, some of whom have stronger economic ties with Beijing.
The meetings will also offer opportunities for new dialogue partners to strengthen their presence. Brazil, for instance, is expected to reaffirm its interest in ASEAN, while countries that recently acceded to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, such as Saudi Arabia and Spain, will likely seek deeper engagement.
These interactions will test ASEAN’s ability to remain inclusive yet consistent with its principles, as its appeal continues to expand beyond the region.
Keeping ASEAN’s Compass Steady
The Philippines’ upcoming chairmanship represents more than a ceremonial role. It is a chance to reaffirm ASEAN’s identity amid shifting global dynamics.
By focusing on maritime security, human development, and climate resilience, Manila has an opportunity to steer the bloc toward a more people-centered and forward-looking agenda. The challenge lies in maintaining unity and consensus while addressing sensitive issues that directly involve national interests.
While the official agenda of the 48th and 49th ASEAN Summits will only be revealed closer to 2026, one thing is clear: expectations are high. The baton has been passed from Kuala Lumpur to Manila, and the world will be watching to see whether the Philippines can keep ASEAN’s compass steady on the path of unity, resilience, and regional relevance.
