He said on the sidelines of the 2025 Maritime Security Forum in Manila that the two sides “still have to address important issues such as the scope of the code, also the nature of the code and its relation also to the declaration of the principles adopted in 2002 on the East Sea,” which must be resolved through consensus.

“We hope, and we will do all that we can to try and achieve a successful negotiation,” Manalo added.

In a separate discussion, Philippine National Security Council spokesperson Assistant Director Jonathan Malaya described the COC talks as advancing at a “glacial pace.”

“Hopefully, by the time that the Philippines is chairman of the ASEAN, the code of conduct will be completed,” he said. 

The Philippines will host the annual ASEAN summit in 2026.