Malacañang has confirmed that the Office of the President (OP) has approved the rescheduled travel request of Vice President Sara Duterte, Palace Press Officer Usec. Claire Castro said on Saturday.

The approved travel period runs from May 2 to May 15.

When asked if the OP had approved the Vice President’s new travel request, Castro told DZRH News, saying, “Confirmed po ito.”

The Vice President was previously granted authority to visit five countries—the Netherlands, South Korea, Belgium, Germany, and the United Kingdom—but the trip did not push through. Duterte earlier cited the alleged “last minute issuance” of her travel authority as the reason for canceling the travel.

However, Castro rejected this claim, saying Duterte had applied for travel authority as early as April 14.

According to Castro, official records indicate that the request was filed several days before the intended departure. She added that releasing travel authority a day prior to departure is standard procedure.

“Ang bise presidente ayon sa mga records ay nakakatanggap ng dokumento para sa travel authority niya a day before her intended vacation. Hindi naman sya tinanggihan,” Castro said during a Malacañang press briefing.

“Wala pa sa record na kapag siya’y nag-request ng pagbabakasyon o personal trip na mahabang araw o mahabang panahon na siya’y tinanggihan,” she added.

Meanwhile, the Vice President also raised concerns about the handling of sensitive documents, emphasizing the importance of confidentiality in official processes.

However, the Palace also rejected Duterte’s appeal to keep her travel documents confidential, stressing that public officials are bound by transparency requirements.