The spokesperson of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte on Wednesday denied her unwarranted use of the presidential chopper which drew varied reactions from netizens.
Atty. Reynold Munsayac parried insinuations that Duterte uses the presidential chopper every day in going home to Davao City, contrary to media reports.
"Manila based na po sa ngayon si VP Sara Duterte at ang family niya. Dito na din po nag-aaral ang mga anak niya. Land vehicles din po ang ginagamit nila araw-araw (VP Sara Duterte and her family are now based in Manila. His children are also studying here. They also use land vehicles every day," Munsayac said in a Viber message to reporters.
Duterte, he said, only uses the chopper for official work and functions, depending on the destination and urgency of schedule.
"In the history of VP Sara's public service, everyone who has worked with her knows that she is very efficient and protects government resources at all times," he added.
Duterte, in her birthday message to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on 13 September posted on social media, thanked the latter for allowing her to use the Philippine Air Force aircraft so she can fly home for her children.
"Thank you, PBB, and your 250th PAW (President Airlift Wing) for ensuring that wherever I may be found in the country during the day, I am home in time to tuck my children to bed," Duterte's social media post read.
Also known as the Bluebirds, the 250th PAW is one of the units of the Philippine Air Force attached to the Presidential Security Group. It is used to provide aircraft and aircrew support for the airlift of the President, Cabinet Members and Presidential Staff, Immediate members of his/her family, and visiting Heads of State, and other local and foreign VIPs.
