Manila: Malaca±ang on Wednesday emphasized that Davao City Representative Paolo Duterte should inform his constituents about his planned two-month personal trip abroad. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro highlighted that while Duterte's travel to 17 countries is personal and not officially sanctioned, public servants like him are expected to serve even when on leave.

According to Philippines News Agency, Duterte has sought House Speaker Faustino Dy III's clearance to travel to at least 17 countries from December 15, 2025, to February 20, 2026. Duterte plans to visit Hong Kong, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, and Singapore.

When questioned about the necessity of Duterte reporting to his constituents despite the travel being personal, Castro stressed the importance of transparency. 'Dapat malaman ng mga constituents niya dahil more than two months siyang mawawala kahit hindi siya official travel. Kasi lahat ng public servant dapat nagsisilbi sa bayan (His constituents should know because he will be away for more than two months even if it is not official travel. All public servants should serve the nation),' she said.

Castro further remarked, 'At kung magbabakasyon ng mahigit ng dalawang buwan, hindi natin alam kung paano niya i-explain ito sa kaniyang constituents. But anyway, alam naman niya ang kaniyang ginagawa (If he goes on vacation for more than two months, we do not know how he will explain this to his constituents. But anyway, he knows what he is doing).'