MALACAÑANG on Wednesday said it is not singling anyone out with regard to the publication or disclosure of approved travel authorities (TAs) for government officials.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro made the remark after Vice President Sara Duterte slammed the Office of the President (OP) over the continued disclosure of her travel schedule.
Duterte said it compromised her personal security and exposed her to heightened risks.
The Palace had earlier confirmed Duterte’s planned Aug. 19 to 24 trip to Japan for personal reasons. But she canceled her travel.
“We are not singling anyone out. What we truly need here is transparency. So, whoever demands transparency should also be transparent about their own activities,” Castro said in a press briefing.
She said the OP “is always transparent” when it comes to the overseas travel of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“There have even been reports and press briefings, and you can see what happened during our president’s foreign trips, official visits, and working visits,” Castro said.
“Those are not hidden, and they are not being hidden,” she pointed out.
Duterte challenged the Palace to make public the TAs and corresponding expenses of other government officials and employees whose trips were authorized by the OP.
Sought to comment on Duterte’s challenge, Castro said, “And regarding the budget, this is not hidden either. Complete receipts, nothing fake, no aliases. This can be viewed, and it is also being reported to the COA,” she said, referring to the Commission on Audit.
