'May pasalubong?': Ortega glad that VP Duterte is back in the Philippines

La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega  V (left), Vice President Sara Duterte (PPAB, Facebook)

House Deputy Majority Leader La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega V believe that it's good thing that Vice President Sara Duterte is finally back in the Philippines.

"Welcome back po to our VP. Hindi ko alam kung bibigyan niya ako ng pasalubong (I don't know if she'll give me presents)," Ortega said in jest during a press conference Monday, April 7.

He was referring to the old Filipino custom of bringing goodies for friends and loved ones after a person had come back from a trip.

On late Sunday night, April 6, Vice President Duterte returned home after spending nearly a month in the Netherlands, the site of the International Criminal Court (ICC), where her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte had been detained. 

"Siyempre maganda nakabalik siya kasi nga paghahandaan na itong mga susunod na buwan (Of course, it's a good thing that she's back and because she's going to prepare for the months to come)," Ortega said of the impeached lady official.

The House leader found no issue with the younger Duterte’s lengthy stay abroad, despite his continued criticism of her.

"In terms of yung biyahe niya, personal trip naman kasi talaga yun at naiintindihan po namin (In terms of her trip, it was really perosnal in nature and we understand if). So welcome back po, ma'am," he said.

Ex-president Duterte, 80, was flown to The Hague in the Netherlands after being arrested by elements of Interpol in Manila last March 11. Vice President Duterte followed him there the very next day.

For the next three weeks, the Vice President would act as the incarcerated former leader's spokesperson.

Citing seven offenses, the House of Representatives impeached Vice President Duterte last Feb. 6. Her impeachment trial at the Senate is expected to begin after President Marcos delivers his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July.