“SARA all.”
That was the reaction of House spokesperson Atty. Princess Abante on Friday when asked about Vice President Sara Duterte’s trip to Australia, where she is reportedly set to attend a “Free Duterte Now” rally in support of her father, former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
In a press conference, Abante said she could not confirm whether the trip was personal or official, but emphasized that elected officials must use their time—whether at home or abroad—for the service of the people, not personal agendas.
“Pero alam n’yo, hindi ko alam kung if that is an official travel or if it’s a personal travel. But lagi-lagi, bilang halal na opisyal ng bayan, ‘yung oras mo na ginugugol, oras mo sa loob at labas ng ating bansa, ito man ay pang-personal o official, dapat para sa taumbayan, hindi sa personal na interes,” she pointed out.
Abante underscored the importance of honoring the people’s trust, especially when public funds and an electoral mandate are involved.
“Para hindi nasasayang ang tiwala, ang pondo at ibinigay na mandato ng Pilipino sa atin,” she stressed.
Reports of the Vice President’s travel to Australia and participation in the rally have raised concerns among watchdog groups and political observers, particularly as the event appears to be partisan in nature.
The “Free Duterte Now” rally is reportedly aimed at defending the former president, who is currently detained and facing an investigation by the International Criminal Court over alleged crimes against humanity committed during his administration’s war on drugs.
The House of Representatives has repeatedly called for transparency and accountability in government spending, especially in light of past controversies surrounding Vice President Duterte’s use of confidential funds during her concurrent tenure as education secretary.
