Malacañang has formed a caretaker committee to oversee day-to-day government operations during President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s working visit to the United Arab Emirates from January 12 to 14, Palace officials said Monday.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Executive Secretary Ralph Recto will lead the caretaker team, with Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III and Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian as members.
The committee will handle routine executive matters while the President focuses on diplomatic and economic engagements abroad.
Castro clarified that Marcos had not yet departed Manila as of Monday and is scheduled to fly later in the day.
The President’s first overseas trip of the year centers on his participation in Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, where global leaders are expected to tackle issues on clean energy, water security, climate finance, food systems, and environmental protection.
Marcos’ visit is also expected to yield key economic and security gains, including the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement—marking the Philippines’ first free trade deal with a Middle Eastern country—and a memorandum on defense cooperation to boost collaboration in defense technology and capability development.