AGP Executive Report

Digital Governance: Timor-Leste launched verify.gov.tl, a Cambodia-supported online portal to verify driver’s licences and transport documents, aiming to cut fraud and lower licence issuance costs. Regional Diplomacy: President José Ramos-Horta used an ERIA lecture in Jakarta to stress reconciliation, dialogue, and ASEAN integration as the route to stability, while also highlighting Timor-Leste’s push to align laws ahead of its 2029 ASEAN chair priorities. ASEAN Engagement: Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão will visit Vietnam and attend the 3rd ASEAN Future Forum (June 7–10). Housing Access: A Philippine lawmaker, Mahipus, urged government housing agencies to reserve units for the poorest and ensure beneficiaries can stay without amortization or payments—measuring success by families served, not construction numbers. Maritime Law Watch: Cambodia moved to start UNCLOS compulsory conciliation with Thailand after Thailand withdrew from the 2001 overlapping-claims framework, citing a need for peaceful, international-law resolution. Security Cooperation: Timor-Leste Navy personnel visited Australia’s Darwin to build ties and gain operational experience with the Royal Australian Navy.

Digital Government: Timor-Leste officially launched verify.gov.tl in Dili on June 1, a Cambodian-supported portal to verify driver’s licences and other transport documents via QR-based authenticity checks, aimed at cutting fraud and lowering licence issuance costs. ASEAN Diplomacy: President José Ramos-Horta told the ERIA School of Government Leadership in Jakarta that full ASEAN membership is already bringing faster infrastructure and investment, while Timor-Leste works to align laws with ASEAN treaties ahead of its 2029 rotating chair role. Regional Stability & Dialogue: Ramos-Horta also reiterated that forgiveness and dialogue are key to regional stability, pointing to reconciliation with Indonesia as a model. Security Cooperation: Two F-FDTL officers and two sailors visited Darwin under Australia’s Defence Cooperation Program to deepen ties with the Royal Australian Navy.

Regional Diplomacy: Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta says full ASEAN membership is already boosting infrastructure and investment, as the country prepares to assume the ASEAN chair in 2029. Digital Governance: Timor-Leste launched verify.gov.tl, a Cambodian-supported online portal to verify driver’s licences and transport documents, aimed at cutting fraud and lowering issuance costs. Security Cooperation: Two F-FDTL naval personnel visited Darwin under Australia’s Defence Cooperation Program to build ties and gain operational experience. Maritime Law: Cambodia has formally notified Thailand and the UN to start compulsory UNCLOS conciliation over overlapping maritime claims after Thailand withdrew from a 25-year framework, with Cambodia’s National Assembly backing the move. Regional Security Dialogue: Ramos-Horta also delivered a lecture at ERIA in Jakarta on leadership, human rights, nation-building and regional diplomacy.

Digital Governance: Timor-Leste launched verify.gov.tl, a Cambodia-supported online portal to verify driver’s licences and transport documents, aiming to cut fraud and lower licence issuance costs. Regional Security Diplomacy: At the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta pushed back on “hardware-first” thinking, arguing prevention and dialogue matter more than missiles and submarines. Defence Cooperation: Two officers and two sailors from Timor-Leste’s navy visited Darwin under Australia’s Defence Cooperation Program to gain experience and strengthen ties with the Royal Australian Navy. Maritime Law Watch: Cambodia formally notified Thailand and the UN to start compulsory conciliation under UNCLOS over overlapping maritime claims, signaling a shift from bilateral talks.

Digital Government: Timor-Leste officially launched verify.gov.tl in Dili, a Cambodia-assisted, QR-based document verification portal. The first document to use the system is the driver’s licence, aiming to cut production costs and improve public service delivery under a 2025 MoU. Regional Security Diplomacy: At the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta pushed back on “hardware-first” thinking, arguing that prevention and dialogue matter more than missiles and ships. Myanmar Mediation Proposal: Ramos-Horta floated appointing a retired four-star ASEAN general to guide Myanmar’s sides “under a tent” for humanitarian access and talks without preconditions. Defence Procurement Watch: India’s defence chief said a BrahMos deal with Vietnam is already signed (not yet publicly announced) and Indonesia’s is near completion—another sign of intensifying arms competition in the region. ASEAN Centrality: Ramos-Horta also said ASEAN offers a model for sustained engagement even when global leadership fails, with wars across multiple theatres still driving instability.

Digital Government: Timor-Leste officially launched verify.gov.tl in Dili, a national platform to verify government documents using Cambodia’s QR-based verify.gov model, marking a new milestone in the Cambodia–Timor-Leste digital partnership. Regional Diplomacy & Security: President José Ramos-Horta used the Shangri-La Dialogue to push “practical diplomacy” over military-first thinking, arguing that prevention and dialogue matter as much as defence spending, and floated a plan to guide Myanmar peace talks by placing a retired four-star ASEAN general “under a tent” with all sides. ASEAN Engagement: The Philippines’ top diplomat said ASEAN leaders will hold a commemorative summit with Russia’s Vladimir Putin in June, with Timor-Leste among ASEAN members. Legal Action Threat: Davao del Sur Governor Yvonne Cagas said she is considering legal action over an offensive social media post tied to alleged rice assistance delays. Defence Industry Watch: At Shangri-La, India’s defence secretary said a BrahMos deal with Vietnam has already been signed (not yet publicly announced) and Indonesia’s is in final stages.

Diplomacy & Security: Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta told the Shangri-La Dialogue that peace can’t be built by missiles and fear alone, urging “patient, practical diplomacy” and warning that rules-based order collapses when it protects some and not others. Myanmar Mediation Proposal: He floated a plan to guide Myanmar’s warring sides “under a tent” with a retired four-star Southeast Asian general, aiming for humanitarian access without preconditions. Regional Order Message: Ramos-Horta also argued ASEAN offers real lessons for a world of “burned bridges,” pointing to habits of cooperation despite differences. ASEAN-Russia Outreach: ASEAN leaders are set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in June, with the Philippines’ top diplomat confirming the Kazan summit plans. Defence Procurement Watch: India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said Vietnam’s BrahMos deal is already signed (not yet publicly announced) and Indonesia’s is near final stages, underscoring intensifying regional arms diplomacy. Energy & Investment: Woodside said Greater Sunrise LNG planning with Timor-Leste continues, with gas potentially ending up on Australian soil depending on future infrastructure choices.

Regional Diplomacy: East Timor President José Ramos-Horta used the Shangri-La Dialogue to argue ASEAN offers a practical model for keeping dialogue alive even when global leadership fails, urging Asia-Pacific states to push for a “zone of peace” in the South China Sea and warning that coercion erodes faith in international law. ASEAN-Russia Outreach: ASEAN leaders are set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Kazan on June 17–18, with the Philippines’ top diplomat saying talks focus on expanding Russia’s strategic partnership—while ASEAN keeps Moscow as a “dialogue partner” despite Ukraine-related UN votes. Defense & Security: Vietnam’s To Lam told the forum that solutions to global crises should come from the Asia-Pacific, where US-China rivalry is intensifying pressures on Southeast Asia. BrahMos Watch: India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said Vietnam’s BrahMos deal is already signed (not yet publicly announced) and Indonesia’s pact is in final stages, without disclosing values. Timor-Leste–Myanmar Proposal: Ramos-Horta floated appointing a retired four-star Southeast Asian general to guide Myanmar peace talks “under a tent,” aiming to improve humanitarian access.

Human Rights & Policing: Progressive groups in Southern Mindanao say Cateel Municipal Police in Davao Oriental tagged at least 14 activists as “active wanted persons” on its Facebook page, prompting legal action plans and a planned complaint to the CHR after the post was later deleted/apologized. ASEAN Diplomacy: ASEAN leaders, including East Timor, are set to hold a commemorative summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Kazan on June 17–18, with the Philippines’ top diplomat saying talks also cover expanding Russia–ASEAN strategic partnership. Regional Security Forum: At Singapore’s Shangri-La Dialogue, President José Ramos-Horta delivered a special address calling for “practical diplomacy” as global security institutions face crisis, while Vietnam’s To Lam urged solutions from the Asia-Pacific amid US–China rivalry. Timor-Leste Governance & Budget: Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão presented the first amendment to the 2026 General State Budget, citing geopolitical shocks and proposing a national strategic fuel reserve worth US$174.3 million. ASEAN–Vietnam Ties: Ramos-Horta met Vietnam’s President Tô Lâm in Singapore, with both sides stressing deeper cooperation after Timor-Leste’s ASEAN accession. UN Peacekeeping: UN messages for Peacekeepers’ Day highlighted growing demand for peacekeeping and the need for sustained political and financial support, noting missions including Timor-Leste.

ASEAN Diplomacy: President José Ramos-Horta met Vietnam’s President Tô Lâm in Singapore, with both sides stressing deeper security and economic cooperation after Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership milestone. Regional Security Forum: Ramos-Horta is also set to speak at Singapore’s 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue, alongside Vietnam’s To Lam and US Defence officials, as the agenda is expected to focus on regional tensions. Budget & Energy Security: Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão presented the first amendment to the 2026 General State Budget in Parliament, citing global energy-market shocks and proposing a national strategic fuel reserve worth US$174.3 million. Government-UN Peacekeeping: UN officials marked UN Peacekeepers Day with renewed calls to “Invest in Peace,” highlighting the growing need for peacekeeping amid conflict and instability, including Timor-Leste’s past contributions. Education & Compliance: A Philippine embassy report says some “Philippine schools” in Dili are operating without DepEd accreditation, with Timor-Leste expected to clamp down and push them to meet rules. ASEAN-Russia Track: ASEAN leaders plan a commemorative summit with Russia’s Putin in June, with Timor-Leste listed among member states. Skills & Training: Australia launched Pacific Australia Skills, continuing support for skills systems across the Pacific including Timor-Leste-linked regional cooperation. Local Governance & Infrastructure: The week also saw attention on major infrastructure and service transitions across the region, including fuel, power, and connectivity priorities.

Budget Amendment: Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão kicked off parliamentary debate on the first amendment to the 2026 General State Budget, citing geopolitical shocks and energy-market volatility that hit import-dependent Timor-Leste hardest, with the key proposal a US$174.3m national strategic fuel reserve. Peacekeeping Push: Ahead of UN Peacekeepers’ Day, the UN stressed that demand for peacekeeping is rising amid global conflict and instability, calling for sustained political backing and reliable funding for missions protecting civilians and supporting sustainable peace. ASEAN-Russia Diplomacy: ASEAN leaders, including Timor-Leste, are set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin at a June summit in Kazan, reflecting the bloc’s “dialogue partner” approach even as most members backed a UN resolution condemning Russia’s Ukraine invasion. Regional Security Forum: Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta is confirmed to speak at Singapore’s Shangri-La Dialogue, as 44 countries gather to discuss escalating security tensions across the Asia-Pacific. ASEAN Energy Cooperation: Japan is advancing regional energy resilience support under POWERR Asia, with Timor-Leste listed among AZEC Plus partners, aiming at energy security measures like procurement, stockpiling, diversification, and efficiency investments. ASEAN Chairmanship Signal: ASEAN Secretary-General reaffirmed support for Timor-Leste’s bid to host the 2029 ASEAN Chairmanship.

Regional Security & Diplomacy: Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta is set to deliver a special address at Singapore’s 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue (May 29-31), as 44 countries send ministerial delegations and China is expected to be represented by a lower-level PLA delegation rather than its defence minister. Humanitarian & Capacity Building: The U.S.-led Pacific Partnership 2026 has officially begun, with mission stops including Timor-Leste as the operation aims to strengthen host-nation disaster response and humanitarian services. State-Performance & Budgeting: An Extraordinary Council of Ministers meeting in Dili reviewed 2026 budget execution, reporting 30% spending as of May 26 and flagging challenges tied to the new procurement and public contracts code and capacity to deliver programmes. Governance & Academia: President Ramos-Horta urged Timorese academics to prepare for globalization and free trade, including stronger international language skills and research readiness, in a national seminar marking Restoration of Independence Day. Local Economy & Investment: The President visited ETO Tower in Dili to highlight Timorese-led investment and discussed World Cup broadcasting plans through local media outlets.

ASEAN & Tourism Infrastructure: Timor-Leste has broken ground on a new International Convention Centre in Dili, meant to boost tourism and events capacity ahead of its 2029 ASEAN Chairmanship, with leaders including President José Ramos-Horta and PM Xanana Gusmão at the ceremony. Presidential Outreach: President Ramos-Horta urged academics to prepare for globalization and free trade, pushing stronger skills and international links, and he also visited ETO Tower to highlight local investment and discuss 2026 World Cup broadcasting plans. Budget Oversight: The Council of Ministers held an extraordinary meeting on May 27 to review 2026 budget execution, reporting about 30% spending as of May 26 and flagging procurement code implementation and capacity gaps. Mining & Exploration: Tivan reported strong initial stream sediment assay results from its Turiscai project in Timor-Leste, including high copper and gold values plus pathfinder elements, with stage-two prospect-scale work underway. Regional Diplomacy: Timor-Leste joined other states in supporting the Sahrawi people’s self-determination during a UN decolonization seminar in Nicaragua.

Government Budget Oversight: Timor-Leste’s Council of Ministers held an extraordinary meeting in Dili to review 2026 General State Budget execution, reporting 30% spending as of May 26 (about US$736m of US$2.445b), with key bottlenecks tied to the new Procurement and Public Contracts Code and the rollout of a computerised procurement system. ASEAN & Tourism Infrastructure: Timor-Leste broke ground on a new International Convention Centre in Dili’s old port precinct, meant to boost tourism and events capacity ahead of the 2029 ASEAN Chairmanship, with conference and exhibition spaces plus visitor attractions like a promenade, aquarium, and Ferris wheel. Regional Diplomacy: Australia and Timor-Leste reaffirmed bilateral cooperation during the Australian Deputy Prime Minister’s official visit for Restoration of Independence celebrations, as ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn and senior leaders backed the convention centre project.

ASEAN Tourism Push: Timor-Leste has officially broken ground on a new International Convention Centre in Dili’s old port area, with leaders including PM Xanana Gusmão, President José Ramos-Horta, ASEAN chief Kao Kim Hourn and Australia’s Richard Marles laying the foundation stone—aimed at boosting tourism and events capacity ahead of the 2029 ASEAN Chairmanship. Disaster Response Tech: In Mandaue City, officials are testing a Taiwanese firefighting drone that can carry hoses up to 100 meters, and the city is weighing a one-year rental before buying. Public Services Strain: In Cebu, thousands still wait for physical National ID cards as PSA cites verification and quality-control steps plus printing-contract delays. Local Governance Tensions: Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival vetoed parts of Supplemental Budget 1, including restrictions tied to hiring and driver-subsidy validation rules. Security & Rights Debate: A Supreme Court ruling blocks the removal of former Deputy Ombudsman Arthur Carandang, reinforcing limits on presidential administrative punishment.

EV Taxi Slots Fight: Cebu’s United Cebu Taxi Operators Association filed for certiorari and a temporary restraining order against LTFRB officials over Memorandum Circular 2026-037, which opens 1,000 EV taxi “prankisa/slots” starting May 21—an approach they say bypasses due process and favors outside operators; Local Governance: Mandaue is weighing a one-year rental of a Taiwan-made firefighting drone after a demo showed it can carry hoses up to 100 meters, aiming to reach high-rise fires beyond ladder-truck limits; Public Services & Costs: Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival vetoed parts of Supplemental Budget 1, including restrictions tied to hiring manpower and a driver subsidy validation process; Justice & Rights: A Supreme Court ruling upheld that “legal insanity” can exempt a mother from parricide liability in a case tied to schizophrenia; Regional Diplomacy: Timor-Leste broke ground on a new International Convention Centre in Dili to boost tourism and events ahead of its 2029 ASEAN chairmanship.