SONA 2026: 'International bayanihan' as ASEAN ratifies petroleum security framework —Marcos

The ASEAN has ratified a regional framework that will allow for the provision of petroleum supplies to member-states facing shortages of at least 10 percent of their national domestic requirement, according to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

In his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos announced the ratification of the Framework Agreement on Petroleum Security, which allows enhanced petroleum security of the ASEAN member-states, either individually or collectively, and minimizing of exposure to an emergency situation, through the implementation of short, medium, and long-term measures.

Marcos also said the Philippines, during its chairmanship of the 2026 ASEAN Summit, advocated for “greater solidarity and cooperation” among member-states as they find ways to alleviate the dire consequences of US-Israel war on Iran.

“Through a united ASEAN and its strong extended network, we have achieved greater security and resilience—as a region and as individual nations—more capable of withstanding disruptive events,” he said.

The measures included the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve System, which will guarantee emergency rice supply in case of shortage in the country’s domestic production.

The ASEAN Digital Economy Framework will also harmonize digital rules and enable cross-border digital transactions and will accelerate the growth of our local tech sector, enable fintech and digital banking solutions, and support financial inclusion, especially for small enterprises, Marcos added.

“Moved by our stark realizations, ASEAN must further strengthen the bonds of our regional cooperation, building on our sense of filiation and a heightened instinct for mutual assistance,” the President said.

“This is international ‘bayanihan’ for this part of the world,” Marcos added. — BM, GMA News