LONDON, United Kingdom (The Adobo Chronicles, Berlin Bureau) – Philippines’ Vice President Leni Robredo was briefly detained by British Immigration authorities as she was about to leave London for Manila.  Robredo was in London for a speaking engagement at the London School of Economics.

Reports say that Robredo didn’t have the proper visa to enter the United Kingdom.  She was holding a Schengen Visa which allows holders to freely travel in the 26 Schengen member-countries.  The U.K. is not among the Schengen countries and a separate visa is required for visitors.

It was only after it was ascertained that Robredo was the Philippines’ Vice President that Immigration authorities released her.  She was released on humanitarian and diplomatic grounds.