FACT-CHECK: Marcos Jr. is not the leader of the ASEAN bloc

admin 6:19 PM
CLAIM: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is the leader of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
 
RATING: FALSE

 

A photo uploaded by Facebook page “Bagong Pilipinas Chronicles,” falsely claimed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is now the leader of the ASEAN bloc, without citing any official sources.

Flagged content: The photo, uploaded on Oct. 29, claimed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is the leader of the ASEAN bloc.

  • The caption of the photo reads: “PBBM: Sikat, Respetado, at Hinahangaang Lider ng ASEAN! (sic) Mula sa Pilipinas patungong buong Asya, kinikilala si Pangulong Bongbong Marcos (sic) bilang isa sa mga pinakamatatag at pinagkakatiwalaang pinuno ng rehiyon! Ngayon, siya na ang tinig ng isang makapangyarihang ASEAN bloc na may higit 600 milyong mamamayan — isang puwersang hindi maaaring balewalain sa buong mundo! Sa kanyang talino, diskarte, at malasakit, nagiging sentro ng respeto at tiwala ang Pilipinas sa larangan ng internasyonal na pamumuno. Tunay na lider. Tunay na Pilipino. Tunay na Bagong Pilipinas! PBBM: Sikat, Respetado, at Hinahangaang Lider ng ASEAN!”
  • (“PBBM: Famous, Respected, and Admired Leader of ASEAN! (sic) From the Philippines to the whole of Asia, President Bongbong Marcos (sic) is recognized as one of the most steadfast and trusted leaders in the region! Now, he is the voice of a powerful ASEAN bloc with over 600 million citizens—a force that cannot be ignored worldwide! With his intelligence, strategy, and adherence, the Philippines is becoming a center of respect and trust in the field of international leadership. A true leader. A true Filipino. Truly a New Philippines! PBBM: Famous, Respected, and Admired Leader of ASEAN!”)
  • It also contained a text overlay that said: “PBBM: Sikat at respetadong Pangulo: Leader na ng Asean Bloc na may 600M na populasyon!”

Our debunk: This year’s ASEAN chairmanship is held by Malaysia, led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

  • While the Philippines will hold the ASEAN chairmanship in 2026, Marcos Jr. is not the leader of the ASEAN bloc itself.
    • The position of ASEAN chair rotates annually based on the alphabetical order of the English names of member states; it is not a permanent leadership role over the entire bloc.
    • The chairmanship exists to ensure meetings and discussions are conducted fairly, efficiently, and democratically rather than to exert power or authority.
  • The principles governing ASEAN are primarily derived from the ASEAN charter, which serves as the organization’s legal framework, enabling it to operate with a chairmanship rather than a single leader. Key principles include:
    • Sovereignty and territorial integrity: This principle ensures member-states retain full authority over their governance and borders, fostering mutual respect for independence.
    • Non-interference: ASEAN member states avoid external involvement in one another’s domestic affairs, prioritizing peaceful coexistence and stability.
    • Peaceful dispute resolution: Conflicts among members are addressed through dialogue and negotiation, emphasizing diplomacy over confrontation to maintain regional harmony.
    • Adherence to international law: ASEAN operates within the framework of global legal norms, ensuring its actions align with widely accepted rules and principles.
    • Consensus-based cooperation: Decisions are made collectively, requiring agreement from all members to ensure unity and shared responsibility.

Rewind: The 2026 ASEAN chairmanship was formally handed over to the Philippines on Oct. 28 as part of the 47th ASEAN summit.

  • The Philippines will assume full chairmanship on Jan. 1, 2026.
  • Established in 1967, ASEAN refers to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a regional political and economic organization of 11 countries in Southeast Asia.
  • As a regional bloc, ASEAN aims to promote economic growth, social progress, and regional stability, and its main goals are to foster collaboration and mutual assistance among its members.

Why we’re fact-checking this: As of writing, the Facebook post has amassed 11,000 reactions, 3,300 comments, and 351 shares.

Spot the fake: Practice verifying sources before believing claims made on social media.

  • Unverified leadership claims on social media can erode trust in institutions and amplify misinformation. Jamaica Cabilis


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