MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government's official spokesperson, Undersecretary Atty.

Claire Castro, issued a challenge to Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa to present documented evidence supporting his claims that investigators from the International Criminal Court (ICC) are intimidating retired police officials into testifying against former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Castro emphasized the ease of fabricating stories and insisted that if Dela Rosa possesses knowledge about such coercion, he should formalize his claims through an affidavit.

Castro questioned the nature of the alleged coercion, highlighting that uniformed personnel are typically not easily intimidated.

Her statements appeared to indirectly criticize the previous administration, citing instances where similar claims had been alleged against Senator Leila De Lima.

Simultaneously, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is attending the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which started on May 25. He emphasized the importance of addressing concerns relevant to the Philippines and outlined his agenda, which includes discussions on maritime security, trading relations, and the regional impact of global issues.

The theme of this year's ASEAN Summit is "Inclusivity and Sustainability," reflecting a collective commitment to fostering a resilient and united Southeast Asia.

Marcos noted the urgent need to accelerate the adoption of a legally binding Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, a contentious area where territorial claims by multiple nations, including China and the Philippines, have escalated tensions.

During his address at the ASEAN plenary, President Marcos reiterated that strengthening maritime rights is crucial to maintaining stability and preventing miscalculations at sea.

This concern has become increasingly pertinent following incidents involving aggressive actions by the China Coast Guard against Filipino vessels in the region, including reports of water cannon usage against a research vessel in waters claimed by the Philippines.

Marcos confirmed that, alongside engaging in discussions concerning these maritime disputes, he would advocate for ethical and responsible advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) in alignment with ASEAN values focusing on inclusivity and sustainability.

Furthermore, the President will participate in various bilateral meetings with regional leaders, addressing issues such as the recent U.S. tariff policies affecting member states and the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.

The ASEAN leaders anticipate a collective response to the challenges posed by external policies and internal regional dynamics.

As the summit proceeds, the Philippines' leadership aims to solidify its alliances and strategize on regional security and economic development in an increasingly complex global landscape.