

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said Monday morning that he, along with two other Cabinet officials, will serve as caretakers while President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. embarks on a five-day state visit to India.
In a press briefing, Bersamin said Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III and Education Secretary Sonny Angara will also act as caretakers during the President's absence.
According to a report by Leth Narciso, President Marcos is scheduled to depart the country at 10 a.m. today, accompanied by several Cabinet officials including Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Presidential Adviser on Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go, and Trade Secretary Cristina Roque.
The President is expected to have a full schedule in India. His first engagement will be a meeting with the Filipino community in New Delhi upon his arrival.
After New Delhi, Marcos and his delegation will proceed to Bangalore, which a DFA official described as India's "Silicon Valley," where the President is set to attend a series of business meetings.
Last Friday, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Evangeline Ong Jimenez-Ducrocq said the visit aims to boost cooperation between the Philippines and India in key areas such as defense and maritime security, trade and investment, science and technology, and cultural exchange.
Jimenez-Ducrocq also confirmed that several bilateral agreements are lined up for signing during the visit. These agreements cover cooperation in law, culture, science and technology, and other areas.
Marcos is expected to return to Manila on Friday, August 8.