VP Arroyo is RP temp caretaker

Sat, 13 May 2000 | Source: AFP

MANILA (AFP): Philippine President Joseph Estrada said Friday he had named Vice-President Gloria Arroyo as caretaker leader during his five-day trip to China.

Estrada told Arroyo to "act for and in my behalf during my trip" on May 16-20, a presidential palace statement said.

A special executive committee made up of select cabinet members is to monitor closely national developments during Estrada's absence and help Arroyo, it said.

Estrada has insisted on pushing through with his trip despite a hostage crisis and a fresh flareup of separatist rebellion in the country's south.

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