Marcos calls for patience amid ASEAN Summit disruptions

Philippines launches ASEAN chairship Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leads the launch of the Philippines' chairship of ASEAN 2026 in Intramuros, Manila on November 14, 2025.

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MANILA, Philippines —  As monstrous traffic jams hit Metro Manila and flights were slated for cancellation or rescheduling, President Marcos yesterday called for cooperation and appealed for patience for the inconveniences caused by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit. 

In a vlog entry posted on YouTube, Marcos said the summit is crucial as the Philippines and the rest of the world grapple with a number of challenges like the rising prices of fuel and goods, the economic slowdown, the El Niño phenomenon and security issues.

“We cannot solve many of these problems by ourselves so ASEAN is really important... As the host of the 49th ASEAN Summit, we have a huge opportunity to lead the crafting of the agenda and prioritize issues that are important to our countrymen like fuel prices, food security, agriculture, jobs and livelihood,” he said. 

According to Marcos, it is a huge honor to host the ASEAN Summit, which he described as a good opportunity to showcase the beauty of the Philippines and the skill of the Filipinos.

“The preparations have been finalized and they are detailed. The skill and creativity of Filipinos will surely be highlighted,” the President said.

“Although some will experience inconvenience in the succeeding days, it will be temporary and we ask for a little patience. I am sure that they will be outweighed by the benefits we will attain from the policies to be agreed upon and the jobs to be created,” he added.

Authorities are set to enforce a security exclusion zone within the parameter of the Philippine International Convention Center, the venue of the event, from Nov. 15 to 18. Although there will be no general road closures during the duration of the summit, a stop-and-go scheme will be implemented in some areas. The government has also provided financial aid to workers and small businesses affected by the event.

Gov’t ready for audit

As some sectors criticize the costs of the Philippines’ hosting of ASEAN, Palace press officer Claire Castro said the administration is prepared to subject its expenditures to an audit to prove that the funds are used properly. 

She said P22.9 billion has been allocated for the summit but clarified that the amount has not been fully spent. “Regardless of the amount spent, we will report it. We cannot provide a final report or accounting yet because the ASEAN Summit is not yet over,” Castro said. “The government is ready to be audited.”

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police is strengthening security at major transport hubs and tourist destinations ahead of an expected surge in travelers during the extended holiday break from Nov. 14 to 18, which coincides with the country’s hosting of the 49th ASEAN Summit.

In anticipation of increased movements at Ninoy Aquino International Airport and other major airports in the country for the summit, Philippine Airlines announced the cancellation or reschedule of some domestic and international flights.

Cebu Pacific also adjusted flight schedules in advance to minimize disruptions during the summit.

Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism has placed immersive experiential zones and Filipino encounters at the 49th ASEAN International Media Center. –  Rudy Santos, Mark Ernest Villeza, Michael Punongbayan, Andrew  Ronquillo, Evelyn Macairan