The Vice President’s Office defended Vice President Sara Duterte’s alleged personal use of the presidential chopper on Wednesday, saying the official only uses it when necessary.

Duterte’s spokesperson also denied that the official uses the presidential chopper to return to Davao City on a daily basis.

“Manila-based na po sa ngayon si VP Sara Duterte at ang family niya. Dito na din po nag-aaral ang mga anak niya. Land vehicles din po ang ginagamit nila araw-araw,” Atty. Reynold Munsayac stated.

“Ginagamit lang po ang chopper kapag kailangan sa official work and functions, based sa lugar na pupuntahan at urgency of schedule. Sa history po ng public service ni VP Sara, alam ng lahat ng mga nakasama niya sa trabaho na she is very efficient and she protects government resources at all times,” he continued.

In her greetings to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Duterte thanked the president on Tuesday for allowing her to use the plane to visit family in Davao City.

“Thank you [President Bongbong] and your 250th [Presidential Airlift Wing] for ensuring that wherever I may be found in the country during the day, I am home in time to tuck my children to bed,” Duterte stated this in a Facebook post that included a photo of herself in the presidential plane. 

Netizens were quick to criticize Duterte, with some claiming she should be thanking taxpayers for sponsoring her helicopter trips instead. Others slammed the move as a repugnant display of privilege, given that most Filipinos continue to face problems with public transportation.