Philippines Appoints DFA Chief Ma. Theresa Lazaro as ASEAN Special Envoy on Myanmar

Manila — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday announced the appointment of Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro as the Philippines’ Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair on Myanmar, marking a major step in Manila’s diplomatic engagement on one of Southeast Asia’s most pressing humanitarian and political crises.

Lazaro’s designation places her at the center of the region’s efforts to address the prolonged conflict in Myanmar, which has persisted since the military seized power in February 2021. As ASEAN prepares for the Philippines’ chairmanship in 2026, the decision signals the Marcos administration’s intent to take a more proactive role in stabilizing the regional landscape and shaping collective action toward peace, dialogue, and humanitarian relief.

A Strategic Appointment at a Critical Time

The choice of Secretary Lazaro is strategic and symbolic. As the country’s top diplomat, she has decades of experience in foreign service, including in security cooperation, regional diplomacy, and delicate negotiations involving multiple stakeholders. Her appointment reflects the Philippines’ readiness to shoulder a bigger responsibility in helping ASEAN navigate one of its most politically sensitive challenges.

ASEAN has faced global scrutiny for its difficulty in resolving the Myanmar crisis. Despite the adoption of the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) in April 2021—calling for an immediate cessation of violence, inclusive dialogue, and humanitarian assistance—the implementation has been slow and uneven. Efforts of previous ASEAN Special Envoys, including those from Cambodia and Indonesia, made limited progress due to access restrictions and the complex realities on the ground.

By appointing Lazaro, President Marcos Jr. signals a desire to re-energize the process, strengthen ASEAN unity, and push for practical, incremental gains that reflect both the region’s principles and the urgent needs of the people of Myanmar.

Reinforcing the Philippines’ Leadership Role in ASEAN

The Philippines has traditionally been one of ASEAN’s more outspoken members on issues of democracy, governance, and human rights, while still balancing the regional norm of non-interference. With this appointment, the Marcos government positions the Philippines as a mediator capable of fostering communication between Myanmar’s military government, ethnic groups, the opposition National Unity Government (NUG), and international humanitarian organizations.

Lazaro’s mandate involves:

• Advancing ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus

• Facilitating humanitarian support to affected communities

• Engaging all relevant stakeholders including political groups, civil society, and ethnic minorities

• Coordinating with the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA Centre)

• Strengthening ASEAN’s credibility and unity in approaching the Myanmar issue

This aligns with President Marcos Jr.’s broader foreign policy direction: projecting the Philippines as a constructive, stable, and responsible member of the international community.

Background: Myanmar’s Ongoing Crisis

Myanmar remains trapped in a cycle of conflict, displacement, and economic collapse more than four years after the military takeover. Clashes between the military junta (the State Administration Council) and various ethnic armed groups have intensified across multiple regions. More than a million people have been displaced, and humanitarian access remains severely restricted.

The international community—including the United Nations, United States, Australia, Japan, India, and the European Union—continues to call for a return to democratic governance, release of political prisoners, and cessation of violence. ASEAN has been under pressure to demonstrate stronger leadership, as Myanmar is part of the regional bloc and its crisis affects cross-border stability, migration, and security.

Against this backdrop, Secretary Lazaro faces a complex and delicate mission.

What the Appointment Means for ASEAN

ASEAN rotates the role of Special Envoy depending on the chair. Since the Philippines is set to chair ASEAN in 2026, its involvement is already increasing in preparation for assuming regional leadership. Lazaro’s appointment serves as a bridge between the current ASEAN processes and Manila’s future responsibilities.

Her role will likely involve:

1. Strengthening Regional Coordination

ASEAN’s response to Myanmar has been fragmented, with differing views among member states. Lazaro must work to forge a common position that balances regional stability with humanitarian imperatives.

2. Rebuilding Confidence Between Stakeholders

Dialogue has been limited due to mutual distrust. The envoy’s ability to communicate impartially and professionally will be essential in encouraging participation from all sides.

3. Enhancing Humanitarian Delivery

Many areas in Myanmar are inaccessible, and aid delivery is often blocked or politicized. A more coordinated ASEAN mechanism, supported by Lazaro’s diplomatic network, could improve access.

4. Supporting a Long-Term Roadmap

ASEAN has not yet developed a clear timeline or roadmap for Myanmar’s return to political normalcy. Lazaro may help guide discussions toward a more structured approach.

Why Secretary Lazaro is Well-Positioned for the Role

Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro brings a wealth of experience that makes her a strong candidate for this regional task:

• Extensive diplomatic career spanning multiple regions and missions

• Expertise in ASEAN affairs, having previously served in roles aligning with regional cooperation

• Deep understanding of international law, political negotiations, and conflict-sensitive diplomacy

• Reputation for professionalism, impartiality, and strategic thinking

• Strong relationships with foreign ministers and diplomats across Southeast Asia

Her background ensures she can navigate ASEAN’s diplomatic nuances while maintaining trust among stakeholders.

Challenges She Will Face

While the appointment has been widely welcomed, the reality on the ground remains difficult. Key challenges include:

• Limited access to key political actors inside Myanmar

• Intensifying conflict between the military junta and ethnic alliances

• Restrictions on humanitarian organizations

• Political divisions within ASEAN

• Pressure from the global community to show results

Lazaro will have to balance diplomacy with realism, pushing for progress while acknowledging the constraints ASEAN faces.

A Step Toward Reinvigorating ASEAN Diplomacy

President Marcos Jr.’s decision to appoint his foreign secretary as ASEAN Special Envoy marks a significant moment in the Philippines’ regional engagement. It reinforces Manila’s commitment to ASEAN centrality, solidarity, and peaceful resolution of conflicts.

As Myanmar’s crisis continues to deeply affect Southeast Asian stability, Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro’s mission becomes crucial—not only for Myanmar’s future but for ASEAN’s credibility as a regional institution committed to peace, dialogue, and humanitarian protection.

Her success will depend on inclusive diplomacy, patience, and the willingness of ASEAN members to support a unified approach. While the path ahead is difficult, the appointment symbolizes renewed hope that constructive engagement, backed by skilled diplomacy, can help open doors toward lasting peace in Myanmar.

ions, security cooperation, and international negotiations.

2. What is her role as ASEAN Special Envoy on Myanmar?

As Special Envoy, Lazaro is tasked with advancing ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus, facilitating dialogue among Myanmar stakeholders, and supporting coordinated humanitarian assistance.

3. Why was she appointed to this position?

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. appointed Lazaro to strengthen the Philippines’ leadership role in ASEAN and to help revitalize regional efforts to address Myanmar’s ongoing crisis.

4. What is the Five-Point Consensus?

It is ASEAN’s agreed plan for Myanmar, calling for an end to violence, inclusive dialogue, humanitarian aid, appointment of a Special Envoy, and envoy access to all parties.

5. How does this affect ASEAN’s approach to Myanmar?

Her appointment signals a renewed commitment to unity, diplomacy, and practical steps toward stability as ASEAN prepares for the Philippines’ chairmanship in 2026.

6. What challenges will Lazaro face?

She must navigate restricted access, escalating conflict, political divisions within ASEAN, and global pressure for concrete progress.

7. What is the expected impact on Myanmar?

While progress may be gradual, stronger engagement from ASEAN and improved humanitarian coordination may help open pathways for dialogue and relief operations.