Vice President Sara Duterte is on an overseas trip from July 16 to 31, with scheduled visits to Qatar, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, according to the Office of the Vice President (OVP).
In a statement, the OVP said the trip includes official foreign engagements and personal activities aimed at meeting with overseas Filipinos and promoting the Philippines’ interests abroad.
“These activities are intended to engage with overseas Filipinos and advance the Philippines’ interests abroad,” the OVP said.
The office also clarified that no government funds will be used by Duterte throughout the duration of the trip.
Earlier, OVP spokesperson and defense counsel Michael Poa confirmed that the Vice President is currently in The Hague and is expected to return to the country soon.
Meanwhile, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said Duterte was granted travel authority for her personal trip covering Qatar, Germany, the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, and the Netherlands.
Despite the Vice President’s absence, the OVP assured the public that its operations will continue uninterrupted.
“The OVP remains fully prepared and operational with its disaster response mechanisms in place in times of emergencies. It will likewise continue the implementation of its programs and projects, carried out through its ten satellite offices nationwide,” the office said.
