Manila, Philippines – The Association of Southeast Asian (ASEAN) Leader’s Summit will push through in May, according to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., amid the oil crisis caused by the Middle East conflict.
Following several calls to set aside ASEAN, which is led by the Philippines as the Chair of the regional bloc this year.
But the president insisted that only a limited number of issues will be discussed at the ASEAN Summit.
These include the supply of petroleum, food prices and the welfare of migrant workers.
Various leaders of countries not only in Southeast Asia are expected to attend the ASEAN leaders summit, as well as other countries from other continents.
Meanwhile, Malacañang insisted that the president’s declaration of an energy emergency is proof that the government is acting quickly to address the oil crisis in the country.
The chief executive adds that there is supply of oil until the end of June, but the administration assured that the government will not stop looking for other sources of various petroleum products.
In a statement, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson for ASEAN Dax Imperial said that discussions and coordination on the Code of Conduct negotiations are ongoing, as is the agency in ASEAN.
ASEAN’s deployment to respond to the energy emergency is also reportedly complete.
According to Imperial, ASEAN is also focusing on key issues, and will continue to work on important aspects for the country and the region.–Alvin Pelobello, Eurotv News