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Philippines Hosts 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is gathering leaders and representatives from the 11 ASEAN member states in Mactan Island, Cebu on May 8, 2026. The 48th ASEAN Summit has been scaled back to an austere format with most meetings held online due to economic disruptions from the Middle East conflict.
May 8, 3:30 AM·1m read1 source
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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is hosting leaders and representatives of the 11 Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states in Mactan Island, Cebu on Friday, May 8. The gathering marks the first leaders-level meeting under the Philippines' chairmanship of the regional bloc.
Most meetings have been shifted online and the 48th ASEAN Summit has been made austere in response to economic disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict. The Philippines has outlined goals to identify ways to shield ASEAN from crises stemming from geopolitical tensions and to strengthen unity in a bloc that makes decisions solely by consensus.
The decision to scale back the event reflects the current energy emergency facing the region. Officials have adjusted the format while maintaining the core diplomatic objectives for the gathering. Rappler's Bea Cupin has provided context on the events unfolding at the summit.
The coverage examines how the Philippines is approaching its chairmanship amid the constraints. The summit proceeds with the understanding that ASEAN operates on consensus among its members. This approach shapes discussions on responding to external pressures from geopolitical developments.
