Marcos Names Three-Man Caretaker Team as He Heads to ASEAN Summit in Malaysia

By Sherman Calotes | Philippine People's Press 

Malacañang, Philippines — President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has designated a three-member caretaker team to manage the day-to-day operations of the executive branch during his official trip to Malaysia for the 46th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit this week.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin announced on Sunday that he, along with Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III, has been entrusted by the President to oversee executive functions while he is abroad.

"The President has appointed a temporary caretaker team to ensure the smooth functioning of the executive department during his absence," Bersamin confirmed in a message to Malacañang reporters.

Marcos is scheduled to depart for Kuala Lumpur on Sunday afternoon and will participate in the ASEAN leaders’ meetings slated for Monday and Tuesday. This high-level gathering will bring together regional heads of state to discuss pressing geopolitical and economic issues.

Ahead of the summit, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) revealed that President Marcos is expected to push for the early conclusion of a binding Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea. The Philippines is advocating for the COC to be finalized before 2026, as tensions continue to rise in the disputed waters.

The President will also reiterate the Philippines’ firm stance on defending its sovereign rights within the West Philippine Sea, a critical area within the country’s exclusive economic zone that remains at the center of maritime disputes.

Marcos’ active participation in the summit highlights the administration’s commitment to regional diplomacy and multilateral dialogue, particularly in addressing longstanding territorial and security concerns in Southeast Asia.