The Senate clarified its position on the travel of its members following a formal letter from Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying“ Remulla disallowing Senator Jinggoy Estrada’s trip abroad.

In response, Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III emphasized that members of the Senate, along with officials of the legislative department, are not required to secure prior approval for personal travel.

“Members of the Senate and officials of the legislative department are not required to obtain a travel authority for personal travel,” Sotto said, citing Senate Policy Order No. 2016-003 (OSP) Series of 2016, which states that “only official travels are subject to prior approval from the Senate President.”

Sotto further pointed to the Bureau of Immigration Letter Directive No. JHM 2016-040 dated 20 July 2016, which reiterates that the requirements of Executive Order No. 459—mandating travel authority—do not apply to officials and employees of the legislative department, the judiciary, or constitutional commissions and bodies.

“Accordingly, the requirement of travel authority to travel abroad by its official and employees shall be governed by their respective rules on the matter,” Sotto said, noting that courts should also take these policies into account.

“Courts must be aware of these policies as the requirements of EO 459, requiring travel authority, does not also apply to members of the Judiciary,” he added.