Malacañang said the timing of Vice President Sara Duterte’s travel authority followed standard procedure, responding to questions over the “late approval” of her 22-day overseas trip.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said records show that travel authority for the vice president is typically issued a day before departure.
“Ibigay ang hilig nang walang ligalig,” Castro said when asked about the approval, adding that the Office of the President processes such requests within its usual timeline. Duterte filed her request on April 14, and Castro said it normally takes about five business days to process, consistent with how travel authority is handled for other officials.
Castro addressed claims that the approval was issued at the last minute, saying the timing reflects standard practice. “The vice president, based on records, receives her travel authority documents a day before her intended trip. So, she was not denied. There is also no record showing that when she requested a vacation or a personal trip for an extended period, she was ever refused. Therefore, to say that this was a last minute resolution or decision is not accurate. This is because this is what usually happens the travel authority is normally given to her a day before,” she said.
Duterte earlier said she plans to file a new travel request and asked that future approvals be issued earlier to allow sufficient time for preparations.
Castro also responded to broader questions surrounding Duterte’s travel amid ongoing impeachment proceedings. “She is a public servant; she is not a private individual. She cannot hide things she wants to conceal. There are matters that the public needs to know because she is a public servant,” she said.
She also raised a question about the situation, saying, “Why did the vice president change her mind. What made her change her mind is the 6.7 billion question.” Castro was referring to allegations involving financial transactions linked to accounts associated with Duterte and her husband.
Despite this, Castro said there is no need for a further message from the Palace regarding Duterte’s absence from congressional hearings. “She is already an adult. Second, she is the vice president and a public servant. She says she promotes accountability and transparency, so she should know what she needs to do and how to explain it to the public. Therefore, she does not need any message from the Palace,” she said.
Impeachment proceedings against Duterte remain ongoing, with the House justice committee reviewing financial documents, including her SALN, tax filings and business records, as part of its examination of allegations tied to her declared income.
