Sara celebrates Independence Day with OFWs in KL

Vice President Sara Duterte is currently overseas on a personal trip with her family, her office confirmed on Tuesday.

In a statement, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) said Duterte is in Kuala Lumpur (KL), Malaysia for personal reasons, but will also take part in official engagements while there.

“In the course of her visit, she is scheduled to attend the Independence Day celebration and engage in an OVP program consultation with overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) on 12 June,” the OVP said.

The visit comes at a politically sensitive time for the Vice President, who is currently facing an impeachment trial.

Duterte was impeached by the House of Representatives on 5 February with 215 lawmakers voting in favor of the complaint. She stands accused of betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, and other high crimes.

At the center of the impeachment case is the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential and intelligence funds during her time as concurrent head of the OVP and the Department of Education.

Despite the gravity of the charges, Duterte’s camp has maintained her innocence. Her lawyers earlier said they are prepared to confront the allegations head-on should the Senate proceed with the impeachment trial. They insist that the accusations against her are politically motivated and lack basis.

As the Senate deliberates on whether to convene as an impeachment court, Duterte’s trip — though described as personal — places her away from the public eye at a crucial moment in her political career.

Still, the OVP emphasized that the Vice President remains focused on her duties, including maintaining engagement with the Filipino community abroad.