Vice President Sara Duterte has officially been granted clearance to depart for an extensive multi-nation journey across Europe and Asia, a move that comes as she navigates a storm of political and financial controversies at home.
In a memorandum dated April 22, signed by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, the Office of the President approved Duterte’s travel to the Netherlands, South Korea, Belgium, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The trip is scheduled to run from April 23 to May 15.
The memorandum explicitly stated that the Vice President will be on a “leave of absence” and emphasized that the travel is “at no cost to the government.”
A Timely Departure
The Vice President’s exit coincides with a period of intense institutional pressure. The House of Representatives is currently deliberating on impeachment complaints filed against her, a process that has drawn significant public and legislative scrutiny toward her office.
Further complicating her departure are the recent findings from the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC). In a briefing before the House Justice Committee, the AMLC flagged approximately ₱6.7 billion in allegedly suspicious transactions linked to Duterte and her husband, lawyer Mans Carpio.
Transparency Concerns
Despite the official clearance, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) has remained tight-lipped regarding the specific objectives of the visit. It remains unclear whether the three-week itinerary involves unofficial diplomatic engagements or is purely personal in nature.
Critics have been quick to point out the optics of the trip, questioning the frequency of her international travels while she faces active investigations.
As of press time, no specific itinerary or list of scheduled meetings has been released to the public.