48th ASEAN to tackle policy reforms on Myanmar

MACTAN NEWTOWN-- Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Deputy Assistant Secretary and ASEAN 2026 Spokesperson Dominic Xavier Imperial said “No consensus yet on Myanmar polls but engagement continues,” in a press briefing held on May 6 at the International Media Center in Mactan, Cebu along side Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Allan Gepty as part of coverage for the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings.

The main point, Imperial said, is that ASEAN has not reached any consensus with regard to the recognition of the results of the election in Myanmar.  Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing was elected president last month, formalizing his grip on power five years after the 2021 coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi.

ASEAN’s stance is to honor the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) to remain as the main framework for how ASEAN deals with Myanmar. The 5PC priorities include the cessation of violence + humanitarian assistance to Myanmar people and despite no consensus on the polls, there is still continued engagement within the ASEAN region with Myanmar, Imperial shared.

Why the Myanmar briefing matters?

According to Imperial, Myanmar is ASEAN’s biggest internal test: The bloc has been split on how to handle the junta since 2021. Imperial’s remarks confirm no breakthrough on election legitimacy. By reiterating the 5-Point Consensus, PH signaled it won’t abandon ASEAN’s existing peace roadmap despite pressure to take a harder line.

Imperial added that as 2026 chair, the Philippines is balancing “engagement” with Myanmar while upholding ASEAN’s principle of consensus. Current scoreboard, the 5PC still stuck, but PH used Cebu to shift from “criticism” to “confidence-building” with the Suu Kyi access.

Other ASEAN States’ response to PH’s Cebu proposal include current known positions such as Thailand is pushing for unilateral talks with Myanmar before Cebu and wants faster re-engagement.

Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore are typically hardliners and want to keep junta barred from summits until 5PC progress.  Cambodia and Laos tend to favor engagement with junta for border stability. 

Next likely updates and what to watch in Cebu is the joint statements from the May 7-8 Leaders’ Summit proper + Chairman’s Statement because this is where ASEAN formally responds to PH’s Suu Kyi proposal. Other bilateral meetings on Cebu sidelines, and the post-summit press conference from other Foreign Ministers.