Postponement of ASEAN Summit in PH sought

National

SOME lawmakers have called on the national government to weigh the necessity of hosting this year’s Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, suggesting a postponement to divert billions in public funds toward relief for soaring inflation and the global oil crisis.

The proposal gained significant traction in the upper chamber, with Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson advocating for a formal review of the country’s diplomatic commitments in light of the current economic volatility.

“Former secretary Gary Teves’ proposal merits at least serious study and possible reconsideration. I think our ASEAN neighbors would understand,” Lacson told reporters.

The movement follows a recommendation from former Finance Secretary Gary Teves, who estimated that deferring the hosting duties could save the government approximately P17 billion. Teves pointed to historical precedents, such as the rescheduling of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, as evidence that international events can be moved during times of crisis.

Senator Imee Marcos voiced strong opposition to the current spending plan, noting that she had previously raised concerns regarding the P17-billion price tag during the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) budget deliberations.

However, the sentiment is not unanimous within the Senate.

Finance Committee Chair Senator Sherwin Gatchalian expressed reservations about a total postponement, though he emphasized the need for fiscal restraint.

Gatchalian maintained that while the hosting should proceed, the government must strictly avoid any "extravagance" in its execution.(Jhon Mark A. Aboabo, USJ-R Comm Intern