President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed a trio of top officials to manage national affairs while he embarks on an official visit to the United States from July 20 to 22.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III have been tasked to act as caretakers in the president’s absence.
“The panel of caretakers consists of myself—the ES—Secretary of Justice Remulla, and the Secretary of Agrarian Reform Estrella,” Bersamin confirmed in a brief interview on Sunday. He added that operations will remain uninterrupted as they “keep in constant communication with him during all the time that he is away from the country.”
The president’s trip is focused on strengthening economic ties between the Philippines and the US, particularly in trade and investment. Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for American Affairs Raquel Solano earlier noted that Marcos will hold a bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump and engage with American business leaders already exploring ventures in the Philippines.
“During the visit, the two leaders will discuss closer cooperation in economic, defense, and security matters of common interest,” Solano said, highlighting that the agenda will also include US tariffs on Philippine exports.
Regional issues, especially those involving the West Philippine Sea, are also expected to be addressed during the high-level discussions.
