VP Sara flags last-minute travel approval to 5 countries despite green light
MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte said she will be submitting a new travel request, citing concerns over the timing and uncertainty surrounding the approval of her earlier travel authority.
In a statement addressed to the Office of the President on Thursday, April 23, Duterte thanked Malacañang for granting her request but said her plans had to be changed due to doubts over whether she would be allowed to leave the country.
"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 as to whether I will be permitted to depart," she wrote in a statement posted on Facebook.
Duterte also appealed for earlier processing of travel requests in the future, saying that approvals issued only shortly before departure leave little time for preparation.
"You will be receiving a new request soon. Please ensure that the necessary documents be processed and issued promptly, allowing sufficient time for travel preparations rather than only a few hours before the intended departure," she said.
She also called for proper confidentiality and handling of sensitive documents.
"Additionally, ensuring the confidentiality and proper handling of sensitive documents would greatly contribute to maintaining effective security arrangements," she said.
The vice president ended her statement with: “God save the Philippines.”
The statement came a day after the Office of the President approved Duterte’s travel to The Netherlands, Republic of Korea, Belgium, Germany and the United Kingdom from April 23 to May 15.
Acting Executive Secretary Ralph Recto earlier said the travel was approved “while on leave of absence, at no cost to the government,” following Duterte’s request for clearance.
The approval was issued amid ongoing impeachment proceedings in the House of Representatives, where Duterte is facing multiple complaints and has recently skipped hearings.
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