Philippines Vows Continued ASEAN Dialogue on Myanmar Crisis

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has pledged that the Philippines, as incoming ASEAN Chair, will maintain active engagement with Myanmar in a bid to support a peaceful resolution to its ongoing crisis.

Speaking in Kuala Lumpur at the close of the 47th ASEAN Summit, Marcos described Myanmar’s situation as “a wound in ASEAN’s side that has yet to heal,” and stressed that dialogue must remain central to the bloc’s approach. “We must continue to engage all stakeholders, continue to talk, and find new ways forward,” he said in an exclusive interview with Bernama.

Myanmar has been mired in conflict since the military ousted the elected National Unity Government in February 2021, triggering widespread unrest and international condemnation. ASEAN’s Five Point Consensus, adopted in April that year, calls for an end to violence and inclusive dialogue—but implementation has stalled.

Marcos acknowledged the limits of ASEAN’s influence but insisted that the bloc must keep its doors open to all parties, including opposition groups. “The best outcome for Myanmar is to be fully integrated back into ASEAN for the benefit of its economy, its people, and peace,” he said.

While progress has been slow, Marcos expressed cautious optimism, noting “some movement” in the past year. His comments were echoed by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who said the situation was “better than before,” though sporadic attacks continue.

Myanmar’s foreign ministry was represented at the summit by Permanent Secretary U Hau Khan Sum, but it remains unclear whether political leaders will attend next year’s summit under Philippine leadership. Marcos said he “would like to see that very much,” adding, “I am, at heart, an optimist.”

ASEAN foreign ministers reiterated their call for full implementation of the Five Point Consensus during the summit, and stressed the need for Myanmar’s planned December elections to be free, fair, and inclusive.

As chair in 2025, the Philippines will face the delicate task of balancing regional unity with pressure for reform in Myanmar—a challenge Marcos appears determined to meet with dialogue, diplomacy, and persistence.

-2025-10-31