HOUSE prosecution spokesperson and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong on Tuesday night wished Vice President Sara Z. Duterte a safe and happy trip abroad as her impeachment trial continues.
“Safe travels and happy trip, and hope she’ll be back soon,” Adiong said during a press briefing when asked to comment on Duterte’s travel.
The Office of the Vice President (OVP) earlier announced that Duterte would be out of the country from July 16 to 31 for a trip covering Qatar, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.
According to the OVP, the itinerary includes official engagements with overseas Filipinos as well as personal activities. It also said no government funds would be spent on the trip.
Malacañang, meanwhile, said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. had approved Duterte’s request for travel authority.
Duterte is currently in The Hague, where her father, former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, is being held while awaiting trial before the International Criminal Court.
Her overseas trip coincides with the ongoing impeachment trial, where the prosecution is concluding its presentation of evidence on the fourth article of impeachment.
The charge accuses Duterte of betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution and high crimes in connection with her alleged threats against President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and former Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez.
The defense is scheduled to continue its cross-examination of National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag on Wednesday before the prosecution shifts to presenting evidence on the impeachment article involving the alleged misuse of confidential funds. (
metrosundaily
