‘VP Sara’s trip had Marcos Jr.’s approval’

MANILA, Philippines — After receiving flak over her family trip to Germany, the office of Vice President Sara Duterte has confirmed that she was overseas as Typhoon Carina pummeled many parts of the country.

President Marcos, the OVP said, approved the trip.

“The Vice President is on a personal trip with her family overseas. Her departure received the necessary approvals, as evidenced by the travel authority issued by the Office of the President dated 09 July 2024,” the OVP said in a statement.

The STAR earlier reported that Duterte, her mother Elizabeth Zimmerman, husband Mans Carpio and three children left the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on an Emirates flight bound for Dubai to Munich, Germany.

A source in the OVP said the family would visit some relatives. Zimmerman, the first wife of former president Rodrigo Duterte, is of German descent.

“The trip to Germany was long planned and booked. It was not a spur-of-the moment decision to take a vacation. Instead, the family took what was planned and booked before,” the source said.

The OVP said while the timing of the trip “coinciding with Typhoon Carina is unfortunate,” its Disaster Operations Center is ready to assist families affected by calamities.

“We thank the public for respecting the privacy of the other members of the family,” it said. “The timing of the trip coinciding with Typhoon Carina is unfortunate. Nonetheless, the Disaster Operations Center of the OVP, institutionalized by the Vice President, is always ready to assist families affected by calamities.”

There were speculations that Duterte wanted to watch the Eras Tour of US pop star Taylor Swift in Munich this weekend.

The Eras Tour had skipped the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Rep. Edcel Lagman, along with House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, took a swipe at Duterte for traveling while the country was beset by both monsoon and typhoon.

“It is not an excuse that the trip has long been planned and she has a travel authority. It does not justify her leaving the country at a time of crisis,” said Lagman, president of the opposition Liberal Party.

“She should have allowed the members of her family to go ahead with the trip and she could have just followed after attending personally to the needs of the victims as is expected of a genuine public servant,” the opposition legislator added.

Lagman, who represents Albay’s first district, noted that Duterte “left hundreds of thousands of Filipinos in agony and despair due to the onslaught of Super Typhoon Carina as she flew with her family to Germany last Wednesday for an apparent vacation.”

“Her lack of empathy and concern is appalling as Metro Manila and many parts of the country are reeling in a state of emergency. The sincerity of public leaders must be gauged by their selflessness and support in times of nationwide calamities and emergencies,” he said.

“This is in stark contrast with the Angat Buhay Foundation of former vice president Leni Robredo which has been spontaneously and continuously aiding the victims even as its immediate help and assistance has inspired volunteerism among citizens,” Lagman added, comparing Sara to her predecessor.

Dalipe, for his part, expressed deep concern over Duterte’s “worrisome silence” regarding President  Marcos’ recent policy pronouncements on the West Philippine Sea and the all-out ban on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).

“President Marcos made brave and bold pronouncements during his SONA that were met with widespread approval and applause from the nation. Yet, the Vice President’s utter silence on these crucial issues raises questions about her loyalty to the country,” Dalipe said in a statement. –  Delon Porcalla