Malacañang has designated a caretaker committee to oversee executive operations while President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is in Russia for a high-level regional engagement.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III, and Acting Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino will temporarily manage day-to-day functions of the executive branch during the President’s foreign trip.
In a message to reporters on Wednesday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the arrangement is intended to ensure continuity of government operations while Marcos attends the 35th ASEAN–Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan, Russia, scheduled from June 17 to 18.
Marcos left Manila late Tuesday night, departing at 11:55 pm, and is expected to co-chair the summit, which brings together ASEAN and Russian leaders to discuss regional cooperation and strategic issues.
Aside from the summit, the President is also scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and engage with select Russian business leaders on the sidelines of the event.
Malacañang said the caretaker setup ensures uninterrupted governance while the President performs official duties abroad.