MANILA, Philippines — It is up to Malacanang to decide whether to postpone the Philippines' hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) event, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said.
Lazaro made the remark when asked during a media forum on Wednesday on the proposal to postpone the country's chairmanship of Asean this year amid the Middle East war's effect on the vulnerable sectors like the energy, farmers, fisherfolks, and transport.
"There will be an appropriate time on what the Palace will say [on the matter]. You just wait for that [pronouncement]," Lazaro said at the Kapihan sa Manila Hotel media forum.
"We cannot make that decision," Lazaro said, referring to a proposal to the Palace for its "serious study" and "possible reconsideration."
It is the turn of the Philippines to lead Asean, which requires the country to host 650 ministerial and senior official meetings. These will be held in Manila, Cebu, Bohol, Boracay, Laog, Iloilo, Tagaytay, and Clark in Pampanga.
In a radio interview over the weekend, former Finance secretary Gary Teves said the government would save over P17 billion if it postpones hosting the Asean. The money could be used to offset the impact of the Middle East war on the economy.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Monday said, "The times call for such a possible move. The Executive department might consider that."
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson said Teves’ recommendation "merits at least serious study and possible reconsideration."