President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has designated Vice President Sara Duterte as officer-in-charge (OIC) while he is away for his state visits to Indonesia and Singapore from Sept. 4 to 7.

Executive Secretary Victor “Vic” Rodriguez signed Special Order No. 75 designating Duterte as OIC to “take care of the day-to-day operations in the Office of the President.”

Under the order, Duterte was also assigned to “oversee the general administration of the Executive Department.”

If necessary, Duterte may “act for and on behalf of the President, except on matters that the President is required by the Constitution to act in person, during this time that the President is outside the Republic of the Philippines from 04-07 September 2022.”

All departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the government must assist Duterte in the discharge of her functions as OIC.

The order also states that “all acts of the Vice President for and on behalf of the President pursuant to this Order shall be deemed acts of the President unless disapproved or reprobated by the President.”

Marcos will be in Indonesia from Sept. 4 to 6, upon the invitation of Indonesian President Joko Widodo.

He will also be in Singapore from Sept. 6 to 7, upon the invitation of Singaporean President Halimah Yacob.

In his pre-departure speech, Marcos said both state visits are meant to harness the Philippines’ potential of its vibrant trade and investment relations.

He said an economic briefing, business forums, and meetings will also be held to attract more investments and buyers for exports to accelerate the country’s post-pandemic growth.

Marcos said he will also take time to meet with Filipinos in Indonesia and Singapore.

The Philippines is expected to sign several agreements with Indonesia and Singapore during Marcos’ state visits. (PNA)