Marcos’ office receives additional P5.2B in 2025 budget for ASEAN hosting preparations

Metro Manila, Philippines — The Office of the President has been allocated an additional P5.2 billion in the 2025 national budget to support preparations for the Philippines’ hosting of the 2026 ASEAN Summit.

The funding boost comes as the country steps up its preparations for the prestigious regional event, which will now be hosted by the Philippines after Myanmar withdrew from the responsibility due to ongoing political instability. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin explained that the Philippines had to act quickly following Myanmar’s decision, which left the summit without a venue.

“ASEAN 2026 was originally set to be hosted by Myanmar, but due to the situation there, Myanmar pulled out, and no heads of state were willing to attend,” Bersamin said during a press briefing.

Bersamin also said the Palace requested additional funding from Congress after submitting the National Expenditure Program (NEP), which includes the P5.2 billion in supplemental funds for 2025.

Bersamin noted that further funding requests are expected in the coming years, with additional allocations likely to be included in the NEP for 2026.

As part of the preparations, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has established a National Organizing Council (NOC) tasked with overseeing the logistics and coordination required to ensure the successful hosting of the ASEAN Summit.

The NOC will be responsible for developing a comprehensive master plan to facilitate a smooth and efficient summit experience.

Marcos accepted the 2026 ASEAN chairmanship during the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia.