Manila, April 22 -- Malacanang on Wednesday confirmed that Vice President Sara Duterte is seeking the Office of the President's approval to travel to five countries from April 23 to May 15.

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said Duterte requested travel authority to visit the Netherlands, South Korea, Belgium, Germany, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland during those dates.

Recto also confirmed the Office of the President's release of a document dated April 22, approving Duterte's request.

Based on the document, the travel is authorized while on leave of absence and at no cost to the government.

The document supersedes any previously issued travel authority covering personal trips to the same destinations within...