ASEAN 2026: Showcasing readiness without disruption

As the Philippines prepares to host the ASEAN Summits in 2026, the nation stands at an important crossroads.

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The opportunity to welcome regional leaders and showcase our country on the international stage must be met with careful planning, forward-thinking execution, and above all, sensitivity to the daily realities of millions of Filipinos.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s latest directive to suspend plans for a full-scale rehabilitation or reconstruction of EDSA is a prudent and timely decision. While the iconic thoroughfare is long overdue for structural and aesthetic improvements, embarking on an ambitious overhaul just before a high-stakes international event risks creating more problems than solutions. The President's decision underscores the need for less disruptive alternatives that still meet the goals of readiness, security, and presentability.