Preparing for Christmas and the ASEAN Summit

Christmas is in two days and the ASEAN Summit is in 2026.

- Atty. Josephus B. Jimenez

With too much social and political turbulence related to the flood-control fiasco and the budget manipulations imbroglio, are we really in the mood of preparing for Christmas as well as to host the next ASEAN Summit? What happens if that very important regional and global event is visited by a strong typhoon or an earthquake?Our unsolicited advice: Focus on security for the heads of states and their wives. Gain diplomatic mileage against the bullying of China. Take advantage of the summit as a platform to boost investment and tourism. And hold the summit in Clark.

Identify main focus goals. The first is uncompromising security for the 11 heads of states; create a team of experienced global conference convenors to implement the plan on the ground. The Philippine planning and implementing team should work closely with Kao Kim Houm, the ASEAN secretary-general from Cambodia. Put up a joint security task force composed of the highest military and police officials of all the 11 member-states. Consider all possibilities. Prepare all assets, air, sea and land emergency transport systems.