Vice President Sara Duterte met with Filipino supporters in Paris, France on August 18, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) confirmed.
The stop came after her visit to Kuwait on August 15, where she attended a gathering of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
According to a social media post, the “Panaghiusa with VP Sara Duterte” event was planned as a potluck-style picnic at the right side of the Trocadero near the Eiffel Tower.
The OVP explained that Duterte’s flight to The Hague, Netherlands—where former president Rodrigo Duterte is currently detained—had a layover in Paris.
Videos from the event showed the Vice President taking selfies and signing autographs with her supporters.
Her office earlier defended her overseas activities, stressing that these events are part of her official duties and not funded by taxpayers.
“These official engagements are conducted in full compliance with existing government rules and regulations, ensuring that her presence abroad is both lawful and aligned with her responsibilities in public service,” the OVP said.
“In addition, no public funds are used for all her travels overseas,” it added.
Since March, Duterte has already traveled to The Hague three times, with additional trips to Malaysia, Australia, South Korea, and Kuwait in between—sparking criticisms over her frequent foreign engagements.