Now that the ball is in the Philippines’ court, there is a natural expectation from its domestic audience that there will be substantial progress on the Code of Conduct of (COC) in the SCS to prevent further incidents such as restrictions of fishing activities and resupply missions, water-cannoning usage and ramming maneuvers.

As chair, therefore, the Philippine government would be remiss not to maximize its convening powers to shape the outcome of the COC. No less than Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has expressed his hope for the COC to be finalized and for Chinese President Xi Jinping to be present in Manila in its signing.

Notably, regardless of the chairmanship, the Philippines has consistently advocated for a legally binding COC to enhance regional stability, which also redounds to the benefit other Southeast Asian claimant-states and maritime stakeholders such as Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia. With an effective COC and stable SCS, there will be less incentive for extra-regional powers to intensify their military posturing and minilateral activities.

Certainly, Southeast Asia or ASEAN is not just about the SCS or high politics. A wide range of issues affects individual member states and the region as a whole. Against this backdrop, the Philippines must strike a balance in setting the agenda and ensure that its plans and programs align with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

The Philippines’ chairmanship will be shaped by three main factors: its own concerns, interests and priorities; continuity with Malaysia’s agenda as 2025 ASEAN chair and ongoing intra-ASEAN, regional and global challenges.

At the official launch of the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship in Manila last November, under the theme “Navigating Our Future Together”, President Marcos Jr outlined three strategic priorities: peace and security anchors, prosperity corridors and people empowerment.