A request from Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte to travel abroad from mid-December 2025 until February 2026 has drawn criticism from ACT Teachers Party-list Representative Antonio Tinio, who argued that lawmakers should prioritize participation in congressional work during session days. The travel authority being sought covers visits to multiple countries over a span of more than two months, according to documents filed with the House leadership.
The issue surfaced as Duterte again sought permission for a personal trip to 17 destinations beginning December 15 and extending into February 2026. Critics noted that the schedule overlaps with regular plenary meetings when legislators are expected to be physically present in the chamber. Tinio pointed out that public representatives are held to high standards of service and should therefore attend legislative sessions rather than undertake long overseas travel.
“Kaduda-duda rin ang timing ng request dahil ito ‘yung panahon na inaanyayahan siya ng ICI na sumagot ng ilang katanungan hinggil sa mga public infrastructure projects sa 1st District ng Davao,” saad ni Tinio.
Earlier in 2025, the House granted Duterte a separate clearance for another multi-country private trip, a move that likewise prompted concern from some quarters over extended absences. The latest filing again identifies the travel as personal and indicates the trips would be funded from his own resources, while seeking authorization to be excused from sessions during the period requested.
