President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has expressed his intent to promote the Philippines “as it is” when the country chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026.

Marcos said there is no need to prove the Philippines’ worth to its fellow Southeast Asian countries, stressing that all it needs to do is show what it is capable of.

“I want them to see the Philippines as it is. I’m so proud of the Philippines. It doesn’t need — the expression in English is ‘gilding the lily.’ Pinapaganda mo [pa], magandang-maganda na (You’re making it even more beautiful, it’s already beautiful),” Marcos said in part 4 of the BBM Podcast’s third episode.

Marcos expressed confidence that ASEAN member-states already see the “beauty of the Philippines,” especially the Filipinos’ hard work and kindness.

He said his administration is doing everything to strengthen its foreign relations with other countries.

“What I really want to show is that the Philippines has now come together. A kind of social pact with each other na magtutulungan na tayo dahil naman tama naman ang tinutunguhan natin (that we will help each other because we are going in the right direction). And that’s the most important thing,” Marcos said.

In his message for the 58th founding anniversary of ASEAN, Marcos vowed to build on the regional bloc’s legacy in responding to evolving priorities and emerging challenges, as the Philippines prepares to assume chairship next year. (PNA)