Metro Manila, Philippines – Vice President Sara Duterte is on an overseas trip in the middle of her impeachment trial, her office confirmed on Tuesday, July 21.
The vice president has yet to make a physical appearance before the Impeachment Court since trial began on July 6.
Palace press officer Claire Castro said that Duterte received travel authority from July 16 to 31 for a visit to Qatar, Germany, the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, and the Netherlands.
According to the Office of the Vice President (OVP), her itinerary included a stop in Qatar, participation in a forum and Filipino community event in the UK, and another visit to the Netherlands.
Defense panel spokesperson Michael Poa said in a pre-trial press briefing on Tuesday that the vice president is in The Hague, Netherlands.
Her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, is under International Criminal Court detention in The Hague for crimes against humanity for murder linked to extrajudicial killings in relation to the drug war during his administration.
“The itinerary includes both official foreign travel and personal engagements. No government funds will be used by the vice president for the entire duration of the trip,” the OVP said.
Meanwhile the OVP said its disaster response mechanisms and its projects will continue to operate during Duterte’s trip abroad.
