Palace: ASEAN clearing is for security, not ‘whitewashing’ Manila
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. presides over a meeting at Malacañan Palace on the preparations for the Philippines’ ASEAN 2026 Chairship, where key agencies presented updates on priority plans on February 2, 2026. Discussions focused on concrete deliverables that create jobs, support small businesses, improve digital services, and strengthen people-centered programs, ensuring an ASEAN Chairship that delivers clear benefits to Filipinos and the region. Presidential Communications OfficeMANILA — Malacañang on Tuesday defended the clearing of areas around venues for the upcoming ASEAN Summit, saying the measures are necessary for security as the country prepares to welcome nearly 20 heads of state.
The Palace’s statement came amid clearing of certain areas, including the vicinity of Baclaran Church, leaving no vendors in the area, ahead of the 49th ASEAN Summit on Nov. 15 to 18.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro denied that Manila was being “whitewashed” through the clearing operations.
“Malaking bagay po na maipakita natin na tayo ay isang bansa na makapagbibigay ng sapat na seguridad sa mga liderato na pupunta sa ating bansa. At dapat nating ipakita kung paano tayo – iyong hospitality na nakapaloob sa Pilipino,” Castro said.
(It is important that we show that we are a country that can provide adequate security for visiting leaders. And we also have to show how we are — the Filipino hospitality.)
In Parañaque, the local government began clearing the area around Baclaran Church on November 2. The city’s Traffic and Parking Management Office said affected vendors would receive assistance and could return to their vending areas on November 20, after the summit.
“Kahapon kinausap namin. Kainausap ng ating mahal na mayor at ating city administrator na meron silang makukuha,” said Rey Murillo, chief of the Parañaque TPMO.
(We had a dialogue yesterday. The mayor and the city administrator told them they would get assistance.)
Murillo said the city would also introduce a more organized system for the placement of stalls when vendors return.
The clearing operation also covered e-trikes. Around 30 units were impounded on Tuesday for operating along the national road, where authorities said they could obstruct the passage of foreign leaders’ convoys.
He said e-trikes should stay within barangay roads and are not allowed on national roads and that the vehicles were impounded to ensure order.
Security has also been tightened around Baclaran Church in case foreign leaders visit the area or attend Mass during the summit.
Parañaque City Police chief Police Col. Nicolas Piñon said all 533 personnel of the city police force had been deployed, with additional personnel ready to provide augmentation.
“Full force na tayo dito, naka-full alert na tayo,” Piñon said.
(We are here in full force. We are on full alert.)
Meanwhile, Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. would conduct a final walkthrough of the Philippine International Convention Center on Tuesday to check on remaining preparations before the arrival of foreign leaders.
The Palace also appealed to groups planning demonstrations to hold their protests at another time, rather than during the summit.
“Ipakita natin ang tunay na kagandahang ugali ng mga Pilipino,” she added.
(Let us show the good manners that Filipinos have.)