President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. arrived in Kazan, Russia on Wednesday and designated government caretakers during his foreign trip to ensure uninterrupted governance and decision-making.

The plane carrying Marcos landed in Kazan at around 12:53 p.m. (Manila time), Palace Press Officer Claire Castro announced.

During Marcos’ trip to Russia, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella, and Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino will serve as government caretakers.

The three Cabinet officials are authorized to act on the President’s behalf in administering executive functions, while he is outside the country, except on matters constitutionally required to be decided by the President himself or those involving national security, including the organization of the military and police.

All decisions made by them must be unanimous and any disagreements will be referred to the President for resolution.

Marcos’ visit to Russia, his first since assuming office in 2022, aims to enhance the Philippine-Russia ties grounded in mutual respect, dialogue, and cooperation.

Marcos, this year’s chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), will participate in the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit, which will serve as a platform to discuss cooperation in key areas, including security, trade, energy, and food security.

He is also scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the two nations’ cooperation on areas of mutual interest, particularly energy and food security.

His visit to Russia also coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Russia. (PNA)