Vice President Sara Duterte has changed her travel plans after receiving what she described as a “last-minute” approval from the Office of the President (OP), and will submit a new request for authority to travel.
In a letter, Duterte thanked the OP for granting her clearance to travel from April 23 to May 15, but said the timing created uncertainty over whether she would be able to depart as scheduled.
“Thank you for the last-minute issuance of the travel authority. I regret to inform you that the plans have since changed due to uncertainty whether I will be permitted to depart,” she said.
The Vice President said a revised request would be submitted soon, urging the OP to process travel documents earlier to allow ample time for preparations instead of releasing them just hours before departure.
The earlier approval, signed by Acting Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, authorized Duterte to visit Netherlands, South Korea, Belgium, Germany, and the United Kingdom while on leave and at no cost to the government.
Duterte also emphasized the need to ensure the confidentiality and proper handling of sensitive documents to maintain security arrangements.
The development comes as Duterte faces impeachment complaints. She did not attend the House Committee on Justice hearing on Wednesday.
