Some lawmakers urge government to postpone Asean summitMANILA, Philippines — Some lawmakers are urging the government to seriously consider postponing the holding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in the Philippines this year to free up public funds amid soaring inflation and a crippling global oil crisis. Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson backed the calls to review the country’s diplomatic commitments, given the severe economic climate. “Former secretary Gary Teves’ proposal merits at least serious study and possible reconsideration. The discussions stem from a proposal by former finance secretary Teves, who suggested that deferring the country’s hosting duties for the ASEAN gathering could save the government an estimated P17 billion. While finance committee chair Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian does not support proposals to postpone the hosting of ASEAN, he said the government should avoid extravagance.

Source: Philippine Star March 23, 2026 16:34 UTC