Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Thursday said the Executive Committee has been designated as “caretakers” of the Philippines while President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is in the Vatican.

In a message to Palace reporters, Bersamin said the Execom is composed of himself, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla, and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III.

Previously, the same three cabinet members were tapped by the President whenever he left the country on official visits or foreign trips.

Marcos and his wife, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, will attend Pope Francis’s funeral on Saturday, 26 April at 10 AM (4:00 PM Philippine time).

As of writing, Malacañang has yet to announce which officials will join the First Couple’s delegation to Rome.