Bersamin, 2 Cabinet secretaries to serve as caretakers while Marcos in Vatican

The country's caretakers amid President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. travel to Vatican City were disclosed on Thursday.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said he, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III will serve as caretakers.

Under Special Order No. 424, an executive committee was formed to “manage the day-to-day operations of the Office of the President and oversee the general administration of the Executive Department” during the his absence.

“The Executive Committee shall act for and on behalf of the President, except on matters that the President is required by the Constitution to act in person, and on matters involving national security, especially those involving the organization of the Philippine National Police or the Armed Forces of the Philippines, which must be directly referred to the President for his advice or decision,” the order read. 

The Executive Committee was tasked to decide unanimously, but the matter will be referred to the President for his advice or decision should they come into a disagreement.

The order also said that the government offices must give their assistance and support to the Executive Committee.

Its acts will be deemed acts of the President unless disapproved or reprobated by him.

The Executive Committee was also mandated to submit a written report on its actions and decisions to the Office of the President within five days from the arrival of the President.

Marcos and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos will depart Manila tonight for the funeral of Pope Francis on April 26.

Multiple world leaders from various continents have already confirmed their attendance to the event.

On Monday, the Vatican announced the passing of Pope Francis. He was 88 and was recently confined for weeks due to double pneumonia.

According to Vatican doctor Andrea Arcangeli in a death certificate, Pope Francis died of a stroke and irreversible heart failure.

The funeral service for Pope Francis will be held on Saturday, April 26, at 10 a.m. Vatican time in St. Peter's Square, in the shadow of the Basilica, on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. (0800 GMT). — VDV/NB, GMA Integrated News