Manila, Oct. 24 -- The Philippines is hopeful that the long-awaited Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea will be finalized and ready for signing under its chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026.

During a pre-departure briefing on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s participation in the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Angelica Escalona said Manila would work closely with ASEAN member states in pushing for the early conclusion of the code once its leads the regional bloc.

"As regards to the Code of Conduct, well as the incoming chair, the Philippines will work with ASEAN member-states and China for the conclusion of an effective, substantive and legally binding code ...