Manila: The Philippines, in its role as chair of the 2026 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), has formally requested Myanmar to provide its special envoy with 'brief access' to Aung San Suu Kyi, following reports of her transfer to house arrest.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) stated that granting access to Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, the designated special envoy, is crucial for engaging 'all stakeholders and parties to create an environment conducive to inclusive national dialogue.' The DFA emphasized that the Philippines sees the reported transfer of Aung San Suu Kyi as a positive development, which could signal Myanmar's commitment to fully implementing the Five-Point Consensus (5PC).

Moreover, the DFA has urged Myanmar to exhibit 'greater transparency' regarding Aung San Suu Kyi's house arrest by allowing her to communicate with her family, a step it believes would 'demonstrate a genuine commitment to national reconciliation.' The Philippines also praised Myanmar's broad amnesty, which led to the release of over 1,500 political prisoners in observance of the Full Moon Day of Kason, hailing it as a 'vital step' in building confidence towards long-term national stability.

ASEAN Affairs Foreign Affairs spokesperson Dax Imperial stated on Wednesday that ASEAN has yet to reach a consensus concerning the new Myanmar government. The association will continue to engage with Myanmar under the 5PC framework, a peace plan established by ASEAN leaders in 2021. This plan emphasizes the immediate cessation of violence, the initiation of constructive dialogue, and creating a conducive environment for humanitarian assistance in Myanmar.