Philippines prepares for 49th ASEAN Summit with security and traffic measures

The Philippines is implementing various security, traffic, and local order measures in preparation for the 49th ASEAN Summit. In Metro Manila, the Philippine National Police and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority are coordinating to manage traffic congestion. A stop-and-go traffic scheme will be active along designated routes from November 15 to 18 to accommodate official motorcades, and security exclusion zones will be established around the Philippine International Convention Center and the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex.

In Parañaque, local authorities have implemented temporary street vending bans in Baclaran, covering areas such as Roxas Boulevard and Redemptorist Road, to maintain order during the summit. These restrictions are expected to remain in place until November 20.

On the diplomatic front, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. aims to finalize a Code of Conduct for the South China Sea during the summit. The proposed agreement is intended to establish rules for behavior in contested waters to prevent armed conflict and de-escalate regional tensions.