TWO leaders of the House of Representatives’ “Young Guns” bloc on Friday criticized Vice President Sara Duterte for being abroad yet again as Filipinos endured a series of typhoons and massive flooding across Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
La Union 1st District Rep. Paolo Ortega V and Zambales 1st District Rep. Jay Khonghun questioned the Vice President’s repeated absences during national emergencies, saying her decision to leave the country reflects a disturbing lack of leadership and compassion.
“Nasaan ang Pangalawang Pangulo ng Republika sa oras na pinaka-kailangan siya ng sambayanang Pilipino? Nasa ibang bansa. Na naman,” Ortega said.
“Habang inililikas ang mga pamilya, winawasak ang mga tahanan at abala ang mga rescuer sa pagsagip ng buhay, ang Pangalawang Pangulo ay wala at nasa ibang bansa para sa pansariling dahilan,” he added.
Reports confirmed that the Vice President was in The Hague, Netherlands, where her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, is detained and facing charges for crimes against humanity in connection with his administration’s brutal war on drugs, just as heavy rains caused widespread flooding and power outages across Luzon.
Ortega noted that this was not an isolated incident, recalling how in July 2024, Duterte also flew to Germany with her family for a “personal trip” to reportedly attend a Taylor Swift concert while Typhoon Carina was wreaking havoc in the same areas.
“Once is unfortunate. Twice is a pattern. There is something fundamentally wrong when a high-ranking official chooses to leave the country every time disaster strikes,” Ortega said.
Khonghun stressed that public officials must be present during times of national crisis.
“Ang tanong namin: Nasaan ka, Vice President? Habang binabaha ang ating mga kababayan at nangangailangan ng tulong, nasaan ka?” Khonghun asked.
“Nasa The Hague ka para sa personal na dahilan habang ang mga Pilipino ay nakikipaglaban sa ulan, baha at kawalan ng kuryente. Malinaw ang pagkukulang,” he continued.
He said the Vice President’s repeated absences erode public trust and diminish the dignity of the office she holds.
“This is not about politics. This is about character. Public office is public trust, and trust is built through presence, compassion and action. If you are not there when the people need you most, then what is your purpose?” Khonghun pointed out.
The two lawmakers called on the Office of the Vice President to explain the timing, purpose and funding of Duterte’s overseas trip and stop hiding behind personal excuses.
“Public service requires sacrifice. You cannot pick and choose when to serve. The Filipino people are watching, and they are taking note of who shows up and who disappears,” Ortega said.
Khonghun added: “This is about priorities. The Vice President should put the country first, especially in times of crisis. The pattern of neglect is unacceptable.”
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