The Philippines’ hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, held twice annually, is vital not only in pushing the agenda of greater trade and peace within and beyond the region, a public policy analyst said on Tuesday.

“The Summit brings different countries together. It shows a possibility for greater trade, investment partnership not only with ASEAN, but more especially for the chair, which is the Philippines,” Stratbase ADRI President Dindo Manhit said in a forum.

“I see something positive when we host these things, when we bring leaders, not only of ASEAN but its partners, to the country. So, there is value to having these summits continue,” he added.

Beyond the benefits it would reap, Manhit said it is important for the Philippines to fulfil its commitments as the designated ASEAN chair and project its role as a leader.

“As chair, you have to show leadership. Basically, your role is to be the leader of ASEAN. You have to project that the Philippines, in these challenging times, can lead,” he said.

Manhit added that the summits could serve as platform for the region to push for the peaceful settlement of conflict in the Middle East.

“They can be a voice to the warring countries that maybe conflict can be settled; that international rules, respect for nations, sovereignty be respected also; and that the democratic principles should also prevail, especially for the people of Iran,” he said.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Senate Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson backed calls to study a proposal to postpone the Philippines’ hosting of this year’s ASEAN summits and allocate its budget for subsidies to cushion the impact of the Middle East conflict on the economy.

The recommendation was earlier raised by former Finance Secretary Gary Teves, who said deferring its hosting duties could save the Philippines around PHP17 billion. (PNA)