BBM not missing Japan expo

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. flew to Osaka, Japan yesterday for a working visit, Malacañang announced.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President’s trip will include a visit to World Expo 2025 Osaka, business meetings, and an engagement with the Filipino community.

She said the President wants to view the Philippine exhibit at the expo because it “highlights our rich culture and our beautiful landscapes,” adding that he hopes to “expand tourism in the country.”

“In addition to this, our President will have business meetings and he will dedicate time to our kababayan in the country,” she added.

Castro said the President designated Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III and Education Secretary Sonny Angara as caretakers of the government in his absence.

This is the first time Angara will serve on the executive committee tasked with overseeing the government while the President is away. Previously, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla served as the third official on the executive committee.

Castro explained that it is the President’s prerogative to appoint caretakers while he is away.

During the early part of the Marcos presidency, Vice President Sara Duterte served as the caretaker on several occasions.

Marcos and Duterte are no longer on good terms, particularly after the Vice President threatened to have him, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez assassinated if she were killed.

Duterte, who is facing an impeachment trial before the Senate, had also headed the Department of Education. She was impeached by the House of Representatives in February over her alleged misuse of confidential funds, the assassination threat, and other alleged crimes.

Marcos brought a small delegation with him to Japan, although Malacañang did not disclose names.

In April, Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru paid an official visit to the Philippines during which he personally invited Marcos to the Osaka Kansai Expo.

The Philippine pavilion at the expo was designed by Carlo Calma Consultancy Inc. in partnership with Japanese executive architect Cat Inc. The structure features more than 1,000 woven rattan strands and over 200 handwoven panels.

Titled “Woven,” the exhibition showcases the interconnectedness of the Philippines with nature, culture and community.