CSO Criticizes Philippines' $285 Million Spending on ASEAN Summit

Raquel Castillo, co-chair of the Philippine National Organizing Committee for the ASEAN Civil Society Conference/ASEAN People’s Forum (ACSC/APF), publicly criticized the Philippine government for allocating approximately $285 million (P17.5 billion) from the national budget to host the 48th ASEAN summit. Speaking at a live-streamed briefing attended by civil society representatives from various Southeast Asian nations, Castillo argued that the expenditure lacks inclusivity and fails to benefit ordinary citizens who are excluded from negotiation processes. She emphasized that these funds are drawn directly from Filipino taxpayers. In response to concerns regarding the high costs amidst an ongoing oil shock caused by the conflict between the US-Israel and Iran, the Department of Foreign Affairs stated in April that the summit would proceed as planned but with implemented austerity measures. The criticism highlights growing tension between civil society organizations and the state regarding financial transparency and public participation in major diplomatic events. The ACSC/APF briefing included delegates from countries such as Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam, underscoring regional concern over the hosting priorities and budgetary decisions made by the Philippine administration for this significant diplomatic gathering.