MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has confirmed the approval of Vice President Sara Duterte’s request for travel authority, allowing her to be out of the country for 22 days from April 23 to May 15, 2026. The approval was announced by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on Wednesday, April 22, amid escalating political tension in the capital.
The Vice President’s itinerary covers five countries: the Netherlands, South Korea, Belgium, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
According to the request submitted to the Office of the President, the 22-day trip will be on an official leave basis and will reportedly be at no cost to the Philippine government.
The timing of the departure has drawn significant attention as it coincides with two major legal and political developments:
- Impeachment Proceedings: The House committee on justice is currently finalizing its assessment of impeachment complaints against the Vice President to determine probable cause.
- ICC Developments: One of the destinations is the Netherlands, where the International Criminal Court (ICC) is based. Her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, has been detained at The Hague since March 2025 in connection with the investigation into his administration’s drug war.
While the Vice President is abroad, the legislative process in Manila continues to move forward. Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III has already indicated that the Senate is preparing to convene as an impeachment court.
- Proposed Timeline: Sotto mentioned that the Senate may technically convene as early as May 4, when the chamber resumes its session.
- Senate Readiness: “If we receive the articles of impeachment [from the House], then we will immediately convene,” Sotto told reporters.
This is not the Vice President’s first trip to Europe in recent months. Observers have noted her frequent visits to the Netherlands, which she has previously stated are related to visiting her father during his ongoing trial and detention.
Despite the travel authority, critics and members of the House Quad Committee have questioned the necessity of an extended 22-day leave during a period of national economic and political scrutiny, specifically following the AMLC reports regarding her financial disclosures.