VICE President Sara Duterte has defied security protocols at the House of Representatives, declaring her indefinite stay within the chamber to support her detained top aide, Atty. Zuleika Lopez.
The unprecedented move has sparked criticism from lawmakers, who allege it is an attempt to shield herself from accountability in the ongoing probe into her office’s confidential funds.
Duterte, who refused to leave the House premises even after power was shut down on Thursday night, insisted on visiting Lopez daily. Lopez, cited for contempt over evasive testimony regarding the P612.5 million in confidential funds allocated to the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and Department of Education, has been detained since Wednesday.
House Speaker Martin Romualdez publicly called out Duterte for avoiding a direct appearance before Congress, saying, “She should now appear, take the oath, speak and explain.”
Lawmakers accuse the Vice President of sending officials to deflect scrutiny and of using her proximity to Lopez as a tactic to prevent full disclosure.
Allegations of “Bratty” Behavior
The controversy deepened as lawmakers condemned Duterte’s actions as a breach of protocol and disrespect to the legislative body. Manila Representative Joel Chua, chair of the committee investigating the confidential funds, rejected Duterte’s request to stay with Lopez in detention. Other officials labeled her conduct “bratty” and accused her of staging a spectacle to gain public sympathy.
“If she has nothing to hide, why doesn’t she face us?” questioned ACT Teachers Representative France Castro, adding that Duterte’s selective presence only raises doubts about her transparency.
Claims of Threats and Legal Battles
In a press conference from the office of her brother, Davao Representative Paolo Duterte, the Vice President claimed her life was in danger, naming Speaker Romualdez as a potential threat. “If anything happens to me here… that’s Martin Romualdez,” she said, though she added she doubted harm would come to her within the House.
Duterte has also hinted at challenging the congressional probe in court, calling the proceedings unconstitutional and claiming lawmakers lack investigatorial powers.
A Divisive Move
While her brother has permitted her indefinite stay in his office, Duterte’s presence has been denounced as a serious security violation.
Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. and other leaders criticized her refusal to leave despite multiple requests by the House sergeant-at-arms.
Critics, including Zambales Representative Jay Khonghun, allege Duterte’s motives are less about loyalty to her aide and more about undermining the investigation. “Is this just for show, another attempt at heroics? Why act like a brat?” he said.
The Broader Picture
The confidential funds probe has placed Duterte under intense scrutiny, raising questions about her leadership and accountability.
Her latest actions, marked by defiance and accusations, have only deepened the divide between her office and Congress, further complicating her political standing as the country’s second-highest official.
As tensions continue to rise, lawmakers have scheduled to resume their inquiry on Monday, where more revelations may emerge.