3 Cabinet members are PH caretakers while Marcos is in Vatican

Three Cabinet members, led by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, will serve as the country’s caretakers while President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is in Vatican City, according to a Palace official on Thursday, April 24, 2025. The two others are Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla and Agriculture Secretary Conrado Estrella III.- File photo from the Philippine News Agency

MANILA, Philippines — Three Cabinet members led by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin will serve as the country’s caretakers while President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is in Vatican City, a Palace official said Thursday.

The two other Cabinet members are Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III.

The president and first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos are scheduled to leave the country later today to attend the funeral of Pope Francis.

READ: First couple to leave for Vatican

In a statement, Malacañang said the first couple would “convey the thoughts and prayers of the Filipino people, who fondly recall Pope Francis’ visit to the Philippines in 2015, his compassion, and his life of humility and service to the world.”

“The President and the First Lady will join around 170 dignitaries, including Heads of State, together with hundreds of thousands of faithful to witness Pope Francis’ funeral rites,” it also read.

There is no information yet on the exact departure time of the First Couple.

Pope Francis’ burial has been set for Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square, where he also made his last appearance through an Easter Sunday blessing and a popemobile tour.

READ: Vatican: Pope Francis funera to be held Saturday, viewing on Wednesday

The pope died on Monday at the age of 88 after suffering from a stroke and cardiac arrest.

The death of Pope Francis capped a 12-year pontificate characterized by his concern for the poor and message of inclusion, but also some criticism from conservatives who sometimes felt alienated by his progressive bent.