Marcos Jr. Urges Patience Amid ASEAN Summit Disruptions

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appealed for public patience on November 12 and 13 as the Philippines prepares to host the 49th ASEAN Summit from November 15 to 18. The event has caused significant disruptions across Metro Manila, including heavy traffic on Edsa, road rerouting, and the cancellation or rescheduling of approximately 300 flights between November 13 and 18.

Security measures in Pasay and Parañaque forced street and tiangge vendors near the Philippine International Convention Center to suspend operations from November 1 to 18. To mitigate the impact, the Department of Social Welfare and Development provided food packs and 10,000 pesos in financial assistance to affected workers. However, the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan criticized these closures, claiming the government is attempting to hide marginalized workers from visiting dignitaries.

Marcos argued that temporary inconveniences are outweighed by long-term economic gains, job creation, and regional cooperation on security and rising food and fuel prices. The summit will include initiatives from the Department of Tourism to promote Philippine agricultural products and wellness services to delegates from at least 19 countries, alongside showcases of local micro, small, and medium enterprises.