Sara Duterte calls alleged Laos travel authority fabricated amid drug shipment investigation

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 20, 2026

Photo Courtesy: AP

Vice President Sara Duterte has rejected a document circulating online that purportedly authorized her to travel to Laos in late September, calling it fabricated as questions surrounding a major drug seizure in the Southeast Asian country draw renewed scrutiny.

In a statement on Tuesday, Duterte accused the government of using national security concerns to undermine her, arguing that the alleged travel clearance was being used to support a narrative without credible evidence.

The document, which reportedly bore the letterhead of the Office of the President, indicated that Duterte was authorized to travel to Laos from September 29 to 30 while on leave and at no cost to the government.

However, the Office of the Executive Secretary said it had received no request for such clearance and had issued no travel authority for the supposed trip.

The controversy emerged after authorities in Laos reportedly seized 521 kilograms of suspected shabu, valued at approximately ₱3.5 billion, at Luang Prabang International Airport on October 1. The drugs were allegedly concealed in 21 suitcases aboard a chartered private aircraft reportedly bound for the Philippines.

The seizure prompted investigations into the shipment and the individuals who may have been involved. Philippine authorities have also been examining possible connections to local and regional drug networks.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla has said the Duterte family was not linked to the shipment, while describing Duterte and alleged drug shipment financier Sultan Edrieza Nasser Rimbang as longtime political allies. Rimbang is a former member of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao parliament.

Separately, Duterte questioned the scrutiny surrounding alleged remittances totaling ₱319.3 million from mainland China and Hong Kong received by Cale88 Foods Corp., a company linked to her husband, lawyer Manases Carpio. The transactions were raised during her impeachment trial and prompted a national security inquiry.

Duterte has denied wrongdoing and accused government officials of politicizing the issues against her.

The authenticity of the purported Laos travel authority and any connection between the separate controversies remain matters for verification and investigation. No evidence presented in the reports establishes that Duterte was involved in the intercepted drug shipment.