Private prosecution panel member Atty. Lorna Kapunan criticized Vice President Sara Duterte’s frequent overseas travel while her Senate impeachment trial is ongoing, calling the trips ill-timed and suggesting they demonstrate a lack of respect for the impeachment court.
Kapunan noted that while the public dispute between Duterte and Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro regarding the Vice President’s foreign travel was dramatic, the timing remains highly questionable given the gravity of the proceedings.
“First of all, it’s her decision whether to appear [at trial] or not,” Kapunan said in a television interview.
“But if I were her, at a time like this, when seryoso ang pinag-uuusapan, huwag ka naman mag-travel. Parang it’s really disrespectful to the court,” she added.
The Vice President had previously canceled a scheduled six-day trip to Japan, citing a change in plans while criticizing the Office of the President for disclosing her itinerary. Castro defended the disclosure, pointing out that public funds exceeding ₱7 million had already been spent on security and support personnel for Duterte’s overseas travel.
Kapunan stressed that Duterte’s claim of using personal funds for her travels raises further questions about the origin of those resources.
“She has to explain. ‘Saan galing yung personal funds mo? Ganyan kadami ang travel mo?’ It also brings up that question,” Kapunan stated.
Kapunan noted that the Vice President’s Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) is a key element of the impeachment trial.
As a result, scrutinizing her travel expenses is critical as House prosecutors investigate disparities between her declared wealth and actual assets.