President Marcos to Asean: Rule of law must prevailPresident Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos speaks before fellow regional leaders and other guests during the ASEAN Summit. MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos emphasized yesterday the importance of the rule of law and dialogue as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) celebrated its 59th anniversary. Members of the ASEAN advance cooperation and common purpose through consultation, mutual respect and adherence to international law, Marcos said. “We celebrate a promise that has endured for nearly six decades: that in our shared region, dialogue must prevail over division, cooperation over conflict and solidarity over uncertainty,” Marcos said. Marcos said conflicts beyond ASEAN shores, including the one in the Middle East, serve as a reminder that crises affect stability, economies and communities far beyond where they begin.