President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. created a three-man Executive Committee to manage the day-to-day operations of the executive branch and ensure uninterrupted governance during his official travels abroad.

Marcos signed and issued Special Order 424 on Thursday as he, along with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, flew to the Vatican to attend the funeral of Pope Francis.

The committee will be composed of the Executive Secretary as chairperson, with the respective Secretaries of the Department of Agrarian Reform and the Department of Justice as members.

In his previous trips abroad, Marcos has delegated government caretaker duties to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrad Estrella.

Under the order, the committee is 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 by the committee must be unanimous.

In case of disagreement, the matter will be referred to the President for resolution.

The order also directs all government departments, agencies, and instrumentalities to support the committee in carrying out the functions of the Office of the President.

Actions taken by the committee will be considered presidential acts unless specifically disapproved by the President.

A written report of all decisions and actions must be submitted to the Office of the President within five days of his return. (PNA)