Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, and Agrarian Reform Chief Conrado Estrella are designated as the caretaker committee while President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
According to Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cesar Chavez, the trio will oversee key government functions during the President’s official trip; however, specific details of their responsibilities were not immediately disclosed.
In his previous trips, President Marcos appointed Vice President Sara Duterte as the caretaker of the country. However, he has now appointed new caretakers following her resignation from the cabinet and their deteriorating relationship.
Marcos is set to meet with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi to discuss shared values and mutual interests, as well as enhance bilateral relations.
Malacañang stated that the President decided to keep the delegation minimal because he plans to return to Manila immediately to oversee typhoon recovery efforts.
He apologized to Filipinos in the UAE for not holding a community meeting, citing his commitment to ongoing disaster response.