Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte has significantly scaled back his request for international travel authority, narrowing a proposed 17-destination world tour down to just two countries: the Netherlands and Australia.
The revision comes after the House of Representatives leadership sought clarification on the initial itinerary, citing concerns over its duration and its conflict with the legislative calendar.
From 17 Destinations to Two
According to Executive Director Jose Marmoi Salonga of the Office of the Secretary General, the lawmaker’s original request—submitted on December 1, 2025—was an ambitious plan to travel from December 15, 2025, to February 20, 2026.
The House leadership initially flagged the request, asking for a more detailed submission. The primary concern was that the two-month trip would overlap with the resumption of the 20th Congress, which is scheduled to return to session on January 26, 2026.
In his revised request dated December 15, Duterte shortened the duration to less than a month, now spanning from January 3 to January 30, 2026.
Family-Centric Itinerary
The stated reasons for the revised trip are personal and family-oriented. The travel clearance now focuses on:
- The Netherlands: To visit his father, former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, who is currently detained in The Hague.
- Australia: To visit his daughter, who is currently pursuing studies there.
Salonga confirmed that the Representative has pledged to cover all expenses using personal funds. The revised request is currently undergoing evaluation to ensure it adheres to House administrative procedures and session requirements.
Comparison of Travel Requests
| Feature | Original Request | Revised Request |
| Duration | Dec 15, 2025 – Feb 20, 2026 | Jan 3, 2026 – Jan 30, 2026 |
| Number of Countries | 17 | 2 |
| Primary Destinations | Global (Asia, US, Europe) | Netherlands, Australia |
| Session Conflict | Significant overlap | Minimal overlap |
Background on the Controversy
The travel request first gained public attention in early December when a letter addressed to House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III was leaked. While Duterte’s office confirmed the authenticity of the document, they expressed frustration over the leak, labeling it a breach of confidentiality by a House office.
In the original document, Duterte had requested permission to attend plenary sessions and meetings virtually while traveling through a long list of countries, including Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States. However, the House typically requires physical presence for official duties unless specific exceptions are made.
The revised request is now being vetted under standard institutional requirements as the 20th Congress prepares for its 2026 sessions.