The deepening economic toll of the United States and Israel’s war on Iran will be at the top of the agenda when Southeast Asian leaders and officials meet in the central Philippine province of Cebu.
The Philippines, which is chairing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations for 2026, will welcome its neighbors for the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings from Wednesday, May 6, to Friday, May 8.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has said that they will focus on the global oil crisis, food security, and the safety of migrant workers. Marcos had also given a directive to scale down ASEAN events during the year, including the summit in Cebu.
On this page, we bring you the latest news, photos, videos, and insights on the ASEAN Summit. For more updates and to share your own views, you can also join the Security and Global Affairs chat room of the Rappler app, available for free on iOS and Android.
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33 seconds ago
Economic officials gather for the 27th ASEAN Economic Community Council Meeting
ASEAN economic officials led by Philippine Trade Secretary Cristina Roque gather in Cebu for the 27th ASEAN Economic Community Council Meeting on Thursday, May 7.
Screenshots from ASEAN Philippines 2026 YouTube stream
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3 minutes ago
ASEAN economic ministers and foreign ministers gather ahead of the Summit
ASEAN economic ministers and foreign ministers gather in Cebu on Thursday, May 7, to kick off high-level meetings ahead of the 48th ASEAN Summit.
The ministers are scheduled to meet separately over several events in the morning, and then convene in a joint meeting later in the afternoon, before Southeast Asian leaders meet on Friday, May 8, for the 48th ASEAN Summit.
Screenshots from ASEAN Philippines 2026 YouTube stream
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17 minutes ago
Lazaro: Bloc ‘ready to address existing priorities’ despite Middle East disruptions
Philippine Foreign Secretary and ASEAN Foreign Ministers (AMM) meeting chair Maria Theresa Lazaro opens the meeting by saying it’s a “consequential moment” for the region, given the “far reaching repercussions” of hostilities in the Gulf. The war there, she says, “reminds us that developments beyond our region can have profound effects on [ASEAN].”
She says tackling issues old and new — disruptions caused by hostilities in the Gulf and long-standing concerns for the bloc — requires “agility” and “steadfast commitment” to hit goals under the ASEAN 2035 vision.
While the 48th ASEAN Summit will be laser-focused on addressing issues related to the Middle East, Lazaro says the AMM will also touch on ASEAN “external relations” and ensuring the bloc’s centrality remains paramount, newest member Timor-Leste’s integration, and a briefing from her, as ASEAN chair special envoy, on the situation in Myanmar and compliance with the Five-Point Consensus.
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41 minutes ago
Philippines delivers opening statement at ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
The foreign ministers or representatives of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations members meet in Cebu on May 7, 2026. The ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting or AMM is one of several preparatory meetings ahead of the 48th ASEAN Summit or the first time the bloc’s leaders will meet with the Philippines as chair.
Philippine Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro opens the AMM.
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48 minutes ago
Roque: ASEAN residents will feel impact of econ talks through stable prices
Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque opened the ASEAN Economic Community Council Meeting on Thursday, May 7, with a call to build on previous discussions to ensure the region remains open and stable to trade.
Roque noted the challenges ASEAN’s member states are facing, from high energy costs to supply chain disruptions brought by the Middle East crisis. While the discussions will occur behind closed doors, Roque said ordinary citizens will feel the impact of the talks through stable prices, functioning supply chains, and continuous growth opportunities.
The ASEAN economic ministers earlier released a statement vowing to strengthen existing free trade agreements and ratify a regional petrol security deal that includes a fuel sharing agreement during times of crisis.
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55 minutes ago
27th ASEAN Economic Community Council convenes in Cebu
Trade officials from Southeast Asia convene in Cebu on May 7, 2026, for the first in a series of preparatory meetings ahead of the 48th ASEAN Summit.
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11 hours ago
Marcos, Brunei’s Bolkiah arrive in Cebu
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah both arrive in Cebu on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, for the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings. The summit proper, to be attended by leaders of the bloc’s member states, is set for Friday, May 8.
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12 hours ago
Marcos arrives in Cebu
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. arrives in Cebu on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, for the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings. He is welcomed by Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro and ASEAN 2026 National Organizing Council Director-General for Operations Ma. Hellen de la Vega.
Marcos has said that the summit, under the chairmanship of the Philippines, will focus on energy security, food security, and the safety of Southeast Asians worldwide.
Screenshots from ASEAN Philippines 2026 YouTube stream
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13 hours ago
Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah arrives in Cebu
Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah arrives in Cebu on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, for the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings. The sultan, who has led Brunei since 1967, is the first Southeast Asian leader to arrive. With him is Prince Abdul Mateen, his son.
Screenshots from ASEAN Philippines 2026 YouTube stream
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18 hours ago
Marcos: ASEAN to prioritize energy, food security, migrant workers’ safety
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. says in a video message on Wednesday, May 6, that energy security, food security, and the safety of Southeast Asians worldwide are the three main priorities on the agenda for the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings in Cebu.
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