World Leaders to Attend ASEAN Summit in Manila, Where South China Sea Code Is High on Agenda

World leaders gather in Manila this week as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations opens its 49th summit with an agenda including regional maritime cooperation, according to Philstar.com.

The Philippines holds the rotating chairmanship for 2026 under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., hosting delegations from 11 member states alongside dialogue partners including China, India, Japan, and the United States, Wake Up Singapore reported.

Preparations across the capital involve major logistical shifts, including more than 300 affected flights and suspended work schedules. To manage security and ease congestion, the Philippine government declared November 16 to 18 special non-working days across Metro Manila, Wake Up Singapore noted.

Just landed in Manila, Philippines to participate in meetings with ASEAN leaders and the East Asia Summit. pic.twitter.com/maLm0jUpLM

— Post by @SecRubio on X

President Marcos ordered airlines to provide free rebooking, full refunds, or travel credits to passengers affected by summit disruptions, according to The Filipino Times. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said that Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon received instructions to coordinate carrier policies so that travelers face no financial penalties.

“Ipinag-utos ng Pangulo kay DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon na siguraduhin na walang pasahero ang malalagay sa alanganin ngayong gaganapin ang ASEAN Summit. Kasalukuyan nang nakikipag-ugnayan ang ahensya sa mga airlines para sa kapakanan ng mga pasahero,” said Claire Castro, Palace Press Officer.”

Security measures remain intensive. The Armed Forces of the Philippines will secure heads of delegation through the Presidential Security Command during the formal sessions running from November 16 to 18, according to the Philippine News Agency.

Marcos orders free rebooking, full refunds for passengers affected by ASEAN Summit flight disruptions — Photo: The Filipino Times

“It is the mandate of the AFP through the Presidential Security Command (PSC). So, we will be securing each head of delegation as they are in the Philippines for the whole duration of their stay,” said Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, AFP spokesperson.”

Padilla added in a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City that forces will maintain a rigorous posture throughout the visit. “We are responsible for their security. We will not leave any stone unturned, we will make sure that they are secured properly during their stay,” she told the Philippine News Agency.

World Leaders to Attend ASEAN Summit in Manila, Where South China Sea Code Is High on Agenda — Photo: Wake Up Singapore

Beyond traditional security concerns, analysts emphasize the urgency of deeper economic integration. Victor Andres “Dindo” C. Manhit, president of the Stratbase ADR Institute, wrote in BusinessWorld Online that the bloc must advance concrete outcomes on maritime cooperation, digital transformation, and resilient supply chains to counter external geoeconomic shocks.

The summit schedule extends through November 18, with the Philippine National Police to exercise maximum tolerance for rallies across Metro Manila.