DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte has departed for an overseas trip that will include visits to Qatar, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, according to an official statement released by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) on Tuesday. 

The OVP said the Vice President’s itinerary includes a stop in Qatar, participation in a forum, and attendance at Filipino community (FilCom) events in both the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.

According to the statement, the activities are aimed at engaging with overseas Filipinos while advancing the Philippines’ interests abroad.

The OVP clarified that the itinerary combines both official foreign travel and personal engagements. It also stressed that no government funds will be used by the Vice President for the entire duration of the trip. 

Amid questions that may arise over her absence from the country, the OVP assured the public that its operations will continue uninterrupted.

“The Office of the Vice President (OVP) remains fully prepared and operational with its disaster response mechanisms in place in times of emergencies,” the statement read.

The office added that it will continue implementing its programs and projects through its ten satellite offices nationwide while the Vice President is abroad.

The announcement comes as Vice President Duterte’s impeachment trial continues in the Senate, with the OVP emphasizing that government services and emergency response operations remain in place despite her overseas travel.