Duterte is caretaker during Marcos’ trip to Germany, Czech Republic

Photo from Sara Duterte/Facebook

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte will serve as the country’s caretaker while President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is in Germany and the Czech Republic.

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) announced last week that Marcos will be in Germany and the Czech Republic for a state visit from March 11 to 15. During his trip, Marcos will speak to various political and business leaders from each country.

READ: Marcos to tackle trade, labor, energy, climate change in Germany visit

“VP Sara is the caretaker,” PCO Secretary Cheloy Garafil said in a message to reporters.

READ: VP tapped gov’t caretaker as Marcos flies to Vietnam

Duterte has consistently been named as the country’s caretaker during the presidents’ trips abroad despite her family’s squabble with Marcos in the earlier part of the year.

In January, Duterte’s father, former president Rodrigo Duterte accused Marcos of using illegal drugs, and caused a stir when he insisted that he will move for an independent Mindanao.

READ: Marcos shoots back: Ex-president Duterte takes fentanyl

Her brother, Davao Mayor Sebastian Duterte, also asked Marcos to resign if he “does not have love and aspirations for the nation.”

Neither Marcos nor the vice president have directly spoken ill of each other. The president reiterated that their political tandem, dubbed as the “UniTeam,” remains intact.