THE decision to keep Office of the Vice President (OVP) chief of staff and undersecretary Atty. Zuleika Lopez at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) instead of transferring her to a correctional facility was made on humanitarian grounds, a top official of the House of Representatives confirmed on Sunday.
House Secretary General Reginald Velasco explained that the move prioritizes Lopez’s health and safety, following her detention on contempt charges during a congressional investigation into the use of confidential funds by Vice President Sara Duterte’s offices.
“For humanitarian reasons and to safeguard her well-being, the Secretary General directed that Atty. Lopez remains at VMMC instead of proceeding with the transfer,” Velasco said in a statement. “This decision reflects the House’s commitment to prioritizing detainees’ health and safety in all circumstances.”
Lopez was initially ordered detained in the House following allegations of “undue interference” in the Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability’s probe into confidential fund allocations by the OVP and the Department of Education (DepEd) under Duterte.
The committee had recommended her transfer to the Women’s Correctional Facility in Mandaluyong City, but the plan was halted after concerns for Lopez’s health and safety were raised.
Vice President Duterte criticized the proposed transfer, calling it “attempted homicide,” citing Lopez’s heightened agitation in the presence of law enforcement personnel.
The OVP official echoed these fears, expressing her anxiety in an emotional press conference early Saturday morning.
“I felt my life was being threatened,” Lopez said, visibly distraught over the committee’s decision.
Velasco confirmed that Lopez experienced symptoms of a medical emergency around 2:30 a.m. on Saturday. She was transported by ambulance to VMMC shortly afterward, where her condition is being monitored.
Political Fallout
The controversy over Lopez’s detention underscores the high stakes in the House investigation, which resumes Monday, November 25.
The inquiry focuses on how confidential funds allocated to the OVP and DepEd during Duterte’s term were disbursed.
The House’s handling of Lopez’s case has drawn scrutiny. Velasco emphasized that the institution follows strict protocols and ensures detainees’ rights are upheld.
“The House of Representatives remains steadfast in its duty to act with fairness, diligence, and respect for human rights. We assure the public that all concerns will be reviewed thoroughly to ensure accountability and transparency,” he said.
Lopez has reportedly expressed her intent to resign, adding another layer of uncertainty to Monday’s proceedings. It remains unclear whether she will attend the hearing.
The situation highlights growing tensions between the legislature and Duterte’s office, as questions over the use of confidential funds continue to dominate public discourse.