Malacañang questioned Vice President Sara Duterte’s commitment to public service following her decision to prioritize personal matters over official duties.

In a press briefing Friday, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Briefer Claire Castro said Duterte’s recent foreign trips raise concerns over her role as a public servant.

“Ang kanya lang sigurong malalabag ay ang kanyang obligasyon sa taumbayan (The only thing she’s likely violating is her obligation to the people),” Castro said when asked about the implications of Duterte’s trips abroad.

Castro said it would be Duterte's personal decision if she chooses to travel.

"Pang personal o pang bayan? (Personal gain or public service?) That is the question," Castro remarked when asked about Duterte's recent trip to Australia.

Duterte is expected to attend a rally in Melbourne on 22 June supporting her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently detained at Scheveningen Prison in The Hague, Netherlands. The event, titled “Free Duterte Now,” calls for his release amid pending charges of crimes against humanity over the bloody war on drugs during his term.

Before the trip to Australia, Duterte also traveled to Kuala Lumpur with her family, where she attended a Philippine Independence Day celebration and met with overseas Filipino workers. She was joined by Senators Imee Marcos and Robin Padilla — both of whom are expected to serve as senator-judges in her looming impeachment trial.