MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte has designated Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea as the executive department’s officer-in-charge during his official visit to Japan next week.
Under Special Order 977, Medialdea’s designation is made to “ensure the continuity of government service” while Duterte and some key members of his Cabinet are in Tokyo from Oct. 29 to 31.
As OIC, Medialdea is directed to take care of day-to-day operations in the Office of the President and to oversee the general administration of the Executive Department.
“He shall, if necessary, act for and on behalf of the President, except on matters that the President is required by the Constitution to act in person during the time that he is outside the country,” the order read.
It also ordered all departments, agencies and instrumentalities of the government to assist Medialdea.
Duterte is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday. Both the Philippines and Japan have valued their longstanding bilateral relations.
Takehiro Kano, deputy chief of mission of the Japanese embassy, said the visit would boost further the cooperation for peace and stability in the region as strategic partners.
“The visit is timely because the President will host the ASEAN related meetings and Leaders’ Summit, where Prime Minister will also join,” Kano said during a briefing, referring to the upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations gathering in Manila next month.
He added that Duterte and Abe would meet in Tokyo to discuss various issues related to regional peace and stability as well as the threat of North Korea.
Kano recalled that both leaders discussed in previous meetings issues relating to economic infrastructure development, peace process and fighting illegal drugs.