A regional look at ASEAN’s challenges for 2026

Rappler-Mizzima

ASEAN newsrooms have joined together here to provide an initial assessment of the progress and challenges faced by ASEAN in 2026 under the chair of the Philippines.

In the following article, published in two parts, regional newsrooms Rappler, Mizzima, Kiripost, and Malaysiakini delve into the key issues facing this regional body.

Philippines takes ASEAN helm amid stormy seas

Tensions and crises within and beyond ASEAN are rivaled in intensity by a flood control corruption scandal that Philippine President Marcos is trying to manage at home

By BEA CUPIN*

CEBU, Philippines – Throughout 2024, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. made variations of a similar pitch: that in a world of two superpowers trying to one-up each other, middle powers should come together against common threats to make sure they’re the “main characters in our collective story.”

Marcos’ aspirations will have to come into practice in 2026, with the Philippines acting as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Manila has introduced “three Ps” as its priorities — “Peace and Security Anchors, Prosperity Corridors, and People Empowerment.”

The archipelagic nation’s aspirations are painted all over ASEAN 2026’s visual branding. Its logo is that of a balangay, a pre-colonial boat used to travel across the archipelago that would eventually constitute the Philippines.

The mighty balangay was also once used to traverse open sea and trade in faraway islands and coasts long before modern-day borders were drawn up. The ASEAN chairship’s theme is not subtle either: “Navigating Our Future, Together.”

With the abundance of maritime references, one wonders: what kind of rough waters will Marcos and the Philippines need to steer the bloc through?

Security takes spotlight