VP Sara Duterte leaves country during impeachment trial
MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte has left the country while her impeachment trial is underway, with her office saying the trip includes both official and personal engagements.
In a statement Tuesday, July 21, the eighth day of the trial, the Office of the Vice President said Duterte left for an "overseas trip" with stops in Qatar, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.
"The itinerary includes both official foreign travel and personal engagements. No government funds will be used by the Vice President for the entire duration of the trip," the OVP said.
"These activities are intended to engage with overseas Filipinos and advance the Philippines' interests abroad," it added.
Trial continues
Duterte has yet to appear before the Senate impeachment court, which is hearing Article IV of the Articles of Impeachment involving alleged grave threats and inciting to sedition.
She went to the Senate on July 7, but only met with her defense team and briefly spoke to reporters. She did not appear before the impeachment court.
The trial is now in its third week, with senator-judges also taking up subpoenas for financial records tied to the unexplained wealth allegation against Duterte.
Duterte faces four articles of impeachment involving allegations of misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, graft and corruption, bribery and grave threats under betrayal of public trust.
A conviction on any one article would be enough to remove Duterte from office if supported by at least two-thirds of all members of the Senate impeachment court.
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