Deputy Speaker Supports Call to Release Travel Documents
In a strong endorsement, Deputy Speaker and Antipolo Representative Ronaldo Puno backed Vice President Sara Duterte’s call to release all travel documents of House of Representatives members. Officials reported that Puno emphasized transparency, noting that no one should fear public scrutiny of their overseas trips.
During a press briefing, Puno explained the distinction between official and personal travel, clarifying that official trips are government-funded while personal travels are taken during leave. He expressed willingness to disclose his own travel records, both official and personal.
Transparency in Travel: Official vs. Personal Trips
“I agree, let’s release our travel documents. There are two kinds of travel, official travel and personal travel. Personal travel is not paid by the government, official travel is paid by the government. Personal travel is deducted from your leaves, it’s considered as your personal time. This is important as all of us have a duty to be present at our offices,” Puno said.
He further added, “Let’s release our official travel, if they want even our personal trips, I agree with that. But I think no one is afraid of that here in Congress. Everyone is here, you can see that. So if there are some who make trips, let’s just say that we should release all of these documents.” Community members noted that this stance promotes accountability and deters misuse of government resources.
Comparing Travel Documents for Accountability
Officials reported that travel documents can be cross-checked with actual travel dates to determine if officials took trips during leave or while on duty. Puno explained, “Then we compare that with our actual travel. Because if your official travel is small and your personal travel is bigger, then we have to know if you did the latter using your own time or at a period that you were supposed to be paid in office.” This process aims to ensure integrity in public service attendance.
Duterte Responds to Criticism on Frequent Overseas Trips
Vice President Duterte’s challenge to release travel records came amid criticisms of her frequent foreign visits. She rejected allegations that her absences could impact the approval or status of the Office of the Vice President’s 2026 budget.
“Habitual absence where? I don’t even know what they’re talking about when they say habitual absence. As I’ve said, this is just the same tactic used by anti-Duterte people, throwing around accusations left and right without any basis or evidence,” Duterte said. She described these claims as baseless smear tactics common among her detractors.
Reasons Behind the Vice President’s Overseas Visits
According to sources, Duterte clarified that her travels are driven by necessity rather than choice. She visits Filipino communities abroad who are reportedly distressed by current events in the Philippines. Additionally, she travels to see her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.
“I don’t travel because I want to. I go abroad because Filipino communities overseas are frustrated with what’s happening in our country, and secondly, I visit my father who is in detention,” the Vice President explained. The ICC took custody of the former president in March due to pending crimes against humanity charges.
Anticipated Budget Cuts and Continuing Challenges
Duterte also anticipates that her office’s proposed budget of P903 million for 2026 may be reduced, citing continuity in administration and House leadership as reasons for a similar outcome. Local leaders noted that this reflects ongoing political dynamics affecting the Office of the Vice President.
Summary of Recent Overseas Trips
The Vice President’s recent travel schedule has been extensive. Starting in May with a trip to the Netherlands, she proceeded to Malaysia and Australia in June, followed by another visit to the Netherlands and South Korea in July. Officials highlighted that these visits span several months and serve multiple purposes beyond official duties.
For more news and updates on Vice President Sara Duterte and related political developments, visit Filipinokami.com.
