Duterte names Medialdea as OIC during China visit

President Rodrigo Duterte and Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea. TOTO LOZANO / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—President Rodrigo Duterte has designated Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea as the government’s officer-in-charge (OIC) during his fourth visit to China.

Duterte is currently in China to attend the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing and hold a scheduled bilateral meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping from April 24 to 28.

READ: Duterte seeks more ‘Build, Build, Build’ deals in 4th China trip — Palace

Under Special Order 420, which was released to the media on Thursday, Duterte tasked Medialdea to “ensure the continuity of government service” and to “take care of day-to-day operations” as OIC of the executive department while the Chief Executive is in China.

President Duterte designates Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea as the government's OIC while he is in China. @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/nHaZU5d5CA

— Darryl John Esguerra (@DJEsguerraINQ) April 25, 2019

“All acts of the Executive Secretary for and on behalf of the President pursuant to this Order shall be deemed acts of the President unless disapproved or reprobated by the President,” the order said. /jpv