Malacañang approves Sara Duterte's travel for May 2 to 15

The Office of the President (OP) has approved the rescheduled travel of Vice President Sara Duterte, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said Saturday.

"Confirmed," Castro told Palace reporters when asked if approval had been granted by the OP.

The approved travel period is May 2 to 15.

Sought for comment about Duterte's travel plans, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) said it did not have confirmation yet if Duterte will be flying out of the country today, May 2.

Duterte had initially submitted her request for travel, scheduled on April 23 to May 15, to the Office of the President.

While it had been approved, Duterte said it was granted at the last minute and that she will be submitting a new request due to a change in plans.

Earlier, the Palace denied that Duterte's travel authority was approved at the last minute, saying that such approvals are usually issued a day before the Vice President's intended flight.

"So, para sabihin na last minute resolution or decision ito, hindi po ganoon. Dahil iyon po palagi, normally nangyayari po ang pagbibigay sa kanya ng travel authority a day before," Castro had said.

(So it's wrong for her to say that it was a last minute resolution or decision. Normally, the travel authority is given to her a day before her flight.)

Duterte did not attend recent hearings conducted by the House committee on justice regarding impeachment complaints filed against her.

The House panel will convene anew on Monday, May 4, to approve the committee report, including the Articles of Impeachment from the two consolidated impeachment complaints. — VDV, GMA News