MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte’s “personal trip” to Germany “received the necessary approvals” from the Office of the President, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) said on Thursday.
Duterte and her family left the country for an unannounced trip to Germany early Wednesday amid the onslaught of Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon in many parts of Luzon.
In a statement, the OVP said it was “unfortunate” that Duterte’s trip coincided with the onslaught of the typhoon.
“We thank the public for respecting the privacy of the other members of the family,” it added.
READ: VP Duterte, kin fly to Germany; OVP mum on trip
The OVP also said that its Disaster Operations Center is “always ready to assist families affected by calamities.”