Sara meets with Filipino Maisug members in Munich

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte met with Filipinos in Munich, Germany where she is on a “personal trip” with her family.

ABS-CBN News reported that about 22 Filipinos who came from Switzerland, Austria and other parts of Germany met with the Vice President yesterday.

Duterte thanked the group, dubbed Hakbang ng Maisug International Germany (HMIG), for their support to her and her family.

“We owe a lot to our countrymen for giving us the opportunity to serve our country. From my father former president Rodrigo Duterte to me today, your support is still full, warm, strong for me and our family, including my brothers Baste and Paolo,” Duterte was quoted as saying.

Earlier, The STAR reported that the Vice President, her mother Elizabeth Zimmerman, husband Mans Carpio and their three children left the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on Wednesday for Munich, Germany.

The trip received flak as many parts of the country were being pummeled by Typhoon Carina at the time of their departure.

The Office of the Vice President (OVP) said the timing of the trip “coinciding with Typhoon Carina is unfortunate” but its Disaster Operations Center is ready to assist families affected by calamities.

“The Vice President is on a personal trip with her family overseas. Her departure received the necessary approvals, as evidenced by the travel authority issued by the Office of the President dated 09 July 2024,” the OVP said in a statement.

ABS-CBN reported that Duterte’s meeting with HMIG was a “short break” from her family time.

A source in the OVP earlier told The STAR that the Vice President and her family would visit some relatives on the Zimmerman side.

However, many observers also noted the coincidence of Duterte’s trip and international pop sensation Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour stop in Munich over the weekend.

Duterte’s camp and the OVP have yet to announce when the Vice President and her family will return to the country.