DFA chief Lazaro appointed as Special Envoy for Myanmar

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday announced the appointment of Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro as the Philippines’ Special Envoy tasked with helping facilitate a peaceful resolution to the Myanmar crisis, as the country prepares to assume the ASEAN Chairship in 2026.

Speaking at the national launch of the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship in the historic district of Intramuros, President Marcos said the country will uphold peace, stability, and regional cooperation through dialogue, international law, and stronger collaboration on both traditional and emerging security concerns.

He emphasized that these priorities are anchored in ASEAN’s founding principles, the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC), and the United Nations Charter. 

“We believe that through cooperation and understanding, ASEAN can further strengthen its role as a force for peace and progress in the global community,” the President said.

Marcos then formally announced Lazaro’s appointment as Special Envoy of the Chair on Myanmar. He expressed full confidence in her ability to lead with a “constructive, principled, and inclusive approach” in advancing efforts aligned with ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus (5PC). Lightly urging her on, he added, “Secretary Tess, you better get this done. I already made a promise to everyone.”

The ASEAN Five-Point Consensus—agreed upon by regional leaders in 2021—calls for the immediate cessation of violence in Myanmar, constructive dialogue among all parties, mediation by an ASEAN Special Envoy, humanitarian assistance, and engagement with all stakeholders in the country.

President Marcos also highlighted that the Philippines’ Chairship coincides with the 50th anniversary of the TAC, marking five decades of commitment to peace, cooperation, and dialogue across Southeast Asia and beyond.