MALACANANG confirmed Tuesday that Vice President Sara Duterte is overseas until July 31, with approved travel covering Qatar, Germany, the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, and the Netherlands — even as her impeachment trial before the Senate enters its eighth day.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said the trip, running from July 16 to 31, was authorized by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. through the Office of the Executive Secretary. Defense panel spokesperson Michael Poa confirmed Duterte is currently in The Hague, adding, “As far as I know, she is in The Hague… but she’ll be back soon.”
Her presence in the Netherlands coincides with the detention of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who has been held there since March 2025 ahead of his International Criminal Court trial set for November 30 this year.
The ICC ordered his arrest over charges of crimes against humanity, stemming from alleged extrajudicial killings during his anti‑drug campaigns while he was Davao City mayor and later President. The Office of the Vice President noted the itinerary mixes official and personal engagements, with no government funds being used.
The development comes amid proceedings where the Senate impeachment court recently granted subpoenas for peso‑denominated financial records but declined access to foreign‑currency deposits, citing banking confidentiality laws. Duterte has yet to appear personally before the court since the trial began, though her legal team has consistently represented her during hearings. The OVP also assured that all disaster response mechanisms and ongoing programs remain fully operational through its 10 satellite offices nationwide.
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