President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. left for Jakarta, Indonesia, on Monday to attend the 43rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit and Related Summits, saying in his departure speech that he will tackle the South China Sea and other matters important to the region. “Once again, I will use this opportunity to advance Philippine priorities in Asean and work with our other Asean member states not only in addressing the complex challenges facing the region but also in pursuing opportunities for Asean as an ‘epicentrum of growth,’” the president said in his remarks at Villamor Air Base.

Aning, J. (2023, September 5). Marcos to discuss South China Sea with Asean. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A2.