Marcos calls for regional unity as he formally opens 49th Asean Summit

MANILA, Philippines — The 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit and Related Summits opened in Manila on Sunday, with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. formally declaring the three-day gathering underway. Speaking at the opening ceremony at the Philippine International Convention Center, Marcos, the 2026 Asean chair, called for regional unity and shared responsibility,