Bersamin, Remulla, Estrella named caretaker officials during Marcos Jr. Cambodia trip

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III were appointed as caretaker officials during President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s state visit to Cambodia.

President Marcos Jr. arrived at Cambodia's Peace Palace on Monday, September 8, 2025, to meet with Prime Minister Hun Manet.

During his visit, Marcos Jr. aims to secure more investments and security support from Phnom Penh.

The two leaders will discuss agreements on higher education, air services, and the combat against transnational crimes, with several agreements expected to be inked.

Marcos Jr. will also keynote a roundtable meeting with business leaders to explore ways to diversify sources of goods and expand market access between the Philippines and Cambodia.

The President will discuss ways to further diversify cooperation and strengthen intra-ASEAN relationships by capitalizing on complementary strengths in the face of global economic headwinds.

The Philippines is pushing for a legally binding Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.

His state visit comes as the Philippines prepares for the chairmanship of the ASEAN in 2026.