Lagman chides VP Sara for trip abroad amid Carina, Habagat

Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman on Thursday criticized Vice President Sara Duterte who traveled abroad on the day heavy rains caused massive flooding in parts of Luzon due to the Habagat enhanced by tropical cyclone Carina.

The Office of the Vice President earlier confirmed that Duterte is on a personal trip with her family overseas. It added that the trip had the necessary approvals, "as evidenced by the travel authority issued by the Office of the President dated 09 July 2024.”

The OVP said that the trip's timing with the inclement weather was "unfortunate."

"Her lack of empathy and concern is appalling as Metro Manila and many parts of the country are reeling in a state of emergency," said the opposition lawmaker. 

"The sincerity of public leaders must be gauged by their selflessness and support in times of nationwide calamities and emergencies," he added.

Duterte was earlier reported to have traveled to Germany with members of her family early Wednesday.

GMA News Online has sought comment from both Duterte and the OVP regarding the Liberal Party congressman's statement. It will publish their comments as soon as they are available.

Lagman in his statement mentioned the relief efforts of the Angat Buhay Foundation of former Vice President Leni Robredo "which has been spontaneously and continuously aiding the victims even as its immediate help and assistance has inspired volunteerism among citizens."

"It is not an excuse that the trip has long been planned and she has a travel authority. It does not justify her leaving the country at a time of crisis," Lagman said.

"She should have allowed the members of her family to go ahead with the trip and she could have just followed after attending personally to the needs of the victims as is expected of a genuine public servant," he added. —NB, GMA Integrated News