Office of the Vice President Issues Statement on Sara Duterte’s Absence Amid Typhoon Carina
OVP – The Office of the Vice President has issued a statement regarding the absence of Sara Duterte amid the onslaught of Typhoon Carina in the country.
In a statement released online, the OVP clarified that Vice President Sara Duterte is currently on an approved personal trip overseas with her family. This travel was authorized by the Office of the President, as indicated by a travel authority dated July 9, 2024.
The OVP expressed gratitude to the public for respecting the privacy of the Vice President’s family members during this time. It was noted that the timing of the trip coinciding with Typhoon Carina was unfortunate.
Despite this, the OVP reassured the public that their Disaster Operations Center, which was institutionalized by the Vice President, remains fully operational and prepared to assist families affected by the typhoon and other calamities.
Here is the official statement from the OVP:
On Wednesday, July 24, as Typhoon Carina brought relentless rains and severe flooding to the National Capital Region and nearby provinces, Sara Duterte and her family flew to Germany. Duterte was spotted at Ninoy Aquino International Airport with her husband, lawyer Manases Carpio, their children, and her mother, Elizabeth Zimmerman. Their flight to Dubai departed at 1:50 a.m., and from there, the Duterte and her family took a connecting flight to Munich, Germany.
During this time, the hashtag #NasaanAngBisePresidente trended on X as netizens expressed concern over her absence amid the crisis. Some users compared her to former Vice President Leni Robredo, who was known for actively helping victims of natural disasters. Others defended Duterte, pointing out that her office, the OVP, is providing assistance to those in need.
It is also notable that on Monday, July 22, Duterte did not attend President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address, choosing instead to attend the wake of Bohol Vice Governor Dionisio Victor Balite in Bohol. Her office stated that she did not watch Marcos’ SONA on any of her devices or on television.