Malacañang on Tuesday defended the clearing of areas around venues for the upcoming ASEAN Summit, saying the measures are necessary for security as the country prepares to welcome nearly 20 heads of state. Malacañang defends ASEAN Summit street clearing operations in Metro Manila, citing security measures for visiting heads of state. Malacañang on Tuesday defended the clearing operations around key venues of the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.