Manila, Jan. 12 -- Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III, and Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian have been designated as government caretakers during President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s working visit to the United Arab Emirates from Jan. 12 to 14.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro announced the designation during a press briefing in Malacanang on Monday.

As of posting time, the President has yet to leave Manila but Castro said he is scheduled to fly later in the day.

Recto will chair the three-man caretaker committee, with Estrella and Gatchalian as members.

The caretaker panel is activated whenever the President travels abroad to ensure continuity in government operation...