MANILA — Malacañang announced on Friday, April 3, 2026, that the Philippines will maintain its diplomatic engagement with Myanmar following the election of military leader Min Aung Hlaing as president through a parliamentary vote. The move comes as the Philippines continues to play a central role in regional mediation efforts within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed that the Philippine government is closely monitoring the political transitions in Myanmar. She emphasized that the administration intends to utilize existing diplomatic channels to address the evolving situation.
“The Philippines will continue to engage relevant authorities and stakeholders in Myanmar through Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, in her capacity as Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair to Myanmar, as well as through our respective embassies,” Castro said.
The decision to continue engagement is rooted in the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus, a regional framework established to mediate the crisis that began with the February 2021 coup. The consensus prioritizes the cessation of violence, inclusive dialogue, and the delivery of humanitarian aid. Secretary Lazaro was appointed as the Special Envoy in November 2025 to bolster the Philippines’ contribution to these regional objectives.
Min Aung Hlaing, who has headed the military government for over five years, consolidated his authority this week through a vote in a military-dominated parliament. This transition occurs against a backdrop of prolonged instability and armed resistance that has plagued Myanmar since the ousting of the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi.
Despite the controversial nature of the election, the Philippine government maintains that its primary goal remains the restoration of peace and the welfare of the Myanmar people. Castro stated that the Philippines remains committed to supporting ASEAN’s collective efforts and urged renewed momentum toward the “full and effective” implementation of the Five Point Consensus.
The spokesperson added that the Philippines specifically hopes to achieve the cessation of violence and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people of Myanmar. While military authorities in Myanmar have defended the latest political developments as a step toward restoring order, the international community remains watchful of the escalating conflict between the military and various resistance groups.|
