Malacañang on Thursday denied any policy or directive to block Vice President Sara Duterte’s foreign travel, saying her requests for travel authority are processed under standard procedures and approved when requirements are met.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Duterte has not been denied any travel request, noting that approvals are typically issued shortly before departure.
“Hindi naman po siya tinanggihan. Wala pa sa record na kapag siya ay nag-request ng bakasyon o personal trip na mahaba ang panahon ay siya ay tinanggihan,” Castro said.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto earlier confirmed that the Office of the President issued a travel authority allowing Duterte to visit the Netherlands, South Korea, Belgium, Germany, and the United Kingdom from April 23 to May 15. The trip is covered by a leave of absence and will be at no cost to the government.
The new travel authority supersedes an earlier clearance for the same destinations but with slightly different dates, from April 24 to May 14.
Castro said Duterte’s request was received on April 14, dismissing claims of delay or last-minute approval. She added that issuing travel authorities a day before departure is standard practice.
She also clarified that the Vice President remains free to travel unless restricted by legal instruments such as a hold departure order.
Asked about Duterte’s earlier statement on keeping her foreign trips private, Castro said public officials are generally expected to disclose official travel, especially overseas engagements.
Castro also declined to comment on reports from the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) involving alleged billion-peso transactions linked to Duterte and her family, saying the Vice President is in the best position to address the matter.