Sara Duterte travels abroad July 16-31 for official and personal engagements

Vice President Sara Duterte has departed the Philippines for an international trip scheduled from July 16 to 31, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) announced on Tuesday. The itinerary includes visits to Qatar, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. According to the OVP, the purpose of these engagements is "to engage with overseas Filipinos and advance the Philippines’ interests abroad." The trip encompasses 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 clarified. Lawyer Michael Poa, spokesperson and defense counsel, had previously stated that Duterte was currently in The Hague but "will be back soon." Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed that travel authority had been issued for Duterte's personal trip to Qatar, Germany, the UK, Northern Ireland, and the Netherlands. The OVP further assured that it remains "fully prepared and operational with its disaster response mechanisms in place in times of emergencies." It also stated that the implementation of its programs and projects, carried out through its ten satellite offices nationwide, will continue.