Corruption looms large as PH prepares for Asean 2026–Concepcion
The chaos surrounding the issue of systemic corruption in the Philippines looms large as a private sector delegation prepares for the country’s chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in 2026.
Asean Business Advisory Council (Asean-BAC) Philippines chair and incoming Asean BAC chair Jose Ma. “Joey” Concepcion III expressed this concern in a speech during the 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBCE) held on Oct. 21.
Concepcion and other members of the Asean-BAC PH, which include George Barcelon and Michael Tan, are heading to Kuala Lumpur for the Asean Business Investment Summit and the turnover of the Asean chairmanship from Malaysia to the Philippines.
Speaking at a plenary session of the PBCE, an event organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Concepcion called the corruption scandal “a big setback (that) reflects so poorly on the Philippines.”
Support for MSMEs
“I know that the private sector plays a huge role in economic growth but it is also important that our legislators understand that we cannot do this alone,” he said.
Concepcion said Asean 2026 would be the biggest event of its scale under President Marcos’ administration.
“As we host the Asean in 2026, we have to project that the Philippines has a great future,” he said. “We have to project that this country is an honest country. That we do not steal from [our] people.”
The businessman and entrepreneurship advocate thanked government agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry and the Office of the first lady, for their efforts in support of the country’s micro-, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The agencies have been collaborating with Go Negosyo, the nonprofit Concepcion founded in 2005 to advocate for the country’s small entrepreneurs.
He also thanked the PCCI, whose members regularly volunteer to become mentors to MSMEs through Go Negosyo’s entrepreneurship events.
MSMEs will be a priority agenda for the Asean-BAC chairmanship, along with agriculture and food security, the creative industry, digital technologies, and human capital, specifically the economic empowerment of women and the youth.
