Executive committee while Marcos is in Vatican created

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. File photo

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday released a special order for the creation of an executive committee that will oversee the functions of the Office of the President (OP) while he is in Vatican City from April 24 to 28.

The committee will also oversee the general administration of the Executive Department, according to Special Order No. 424, which was signed on the same day.

READ: 3 Cabinet members are PH caretakers while Marcos is in Vatican

It shall be composed of Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin as chairperson, with the secretaries of the Department of Justice and the Department of Agrarian Reform as members.

Below are the committee’s functions:

• Act for and on behalf of the Marcos, except on matters that the president is required by the Constitution to act in person and on matters involving national security.
• Decide on all matters unanimously, and refer to the President for advice or decision in case of disagreement

“All departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the government must assist and support the Executive Committee in the discharge of all duties and functions of the Office of the President,” the special order read.

It also stated that, “All acts of the Executive Committee for and on behalf of the President pursuant to this Special Order shall be deemed acts of the President, unless disapproved or reprobated by the President.”

The Executive Committee was also required to submit a written report on all its actions and decisions to the OP within five (5) days from the arrival of Marcos in Manila.

READ: First couple to leave for Vatican

The President and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos are scheduled to leave the country later today to attend the funeral of Pope Francis.

In a statement, Malacañang said the First Couple will “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.