VICE President Sara Duterte denied allegations that she traveled to Kuwait without proper travel authority, calling it a distraction from more pressing national issues.
"I guess isa na naman yon sa ginagawa ng Office of the President na yung ilihis ang usapan sa kung ano ang totoong nangyayari sa atiang bayan (“I guess this is just another move by the Office of the President to divert the conversation away from what’s really happening in our country)," Duterte said in a media interview on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at San Pedro Cathedral in Davao City.
She suggested that the narrative about her alleged unauthorized travel was crafted after the Senate dismissed complaints against her, a decision that did not sit well with the current administration.
Duterte pointed out that it was the Office of the President and the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) that had consistently advocated against the spread of false information — yet now, she said, they are allowing unverified stories about her supposed trip to Kuwait to circulate.
On the same day, Duterte attended a Misa Pasasalamat at San Pedro Cathedral with staff from the Office of the Vice President (OVP). After the mass, she proceeded to Rizal Park to meet with Davao City barangay officials, where she expressed her appreciation for their continued support.
Earlier, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro told the media during President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s state visit to India that they had received reports of Duterte’s planned trip to Kuwait on August 8.
"However, as of now, she has not filed a travel authority," Castro said on August 6.
Back in June, Duterte had stated her intention to attend rallies abroad organized by supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte. She said that these were personal trips and not funded by the government.
Duterte also reiterated her belief that the allegations against her are part of a broader pattern of political scapegoating.
On June 27, 2025, Duterte said political scapegoating happens when the administration fails to deliver results and the president is not taking action, so they shift the blame to others. RGP