House panel extends detention of OVP chief of staff

House of Representatives (File Photo: House of Representatives of the Philippines/Facebook)

By Filane Mikee Cervantes, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability on Monday extended the detention period of Office of the Vice President (OVP) chief of staff and undersecretary Zuleika Lopez to 10 days from the original five, citing her alleged “evasive” behavior in the ongoing probe.

The committee approved the motion by ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro during the resumption of its investigation into Vice President Sara Duterte’s alleged misuse of PHP612.5 million in confidential funds.

Lopez, cited in contempt on Nov. 20 for “undue interference” in the panel’s proceedings, was initially ordered detained for five days, set to expire Monday.

However, her absence prompted Castro to push for an extension.

“I move, Mr. Chair, that the period of detention of Atty. Lopez be 10 days instead of five days. Kasi hindi na siya makaka-attend ngayon, ano (Because she won’t be able to attend now, you see),” Castro said.

“Nakita naman natin sa history nung kanyang evasive attitude, behavior, at itong crineate niya na sinasabi niya — pagsisinungaling niya na hindi naman siya hinarass (We’ve seen from her history of evasive attitude and behavior, and this narrative she’s created — her lies when she wasn’t harassed),” Castro added.

Lopez could not attend the hearings due to her confinement at Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) in Quezon City.

A certificate of confinement, submitted to the committee, confirmed she is being treated for acute stress disorder and other physical conditions.

The certificate, dated Nov. 24, states Lopez was admitted for symptoms including “difficulty in sleeping, anxiety and intrusive symptoms in the form of nightmares, flashbacks and avoidance” and musculoskeletal issues.

Evasive, uncooperative, untruthful

Committee chair and Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua underscored Lopez’s alleged attempt to derail the panel’s investigation, describing her conduct as “evasive, uncooperative, and untruthful.”

“Paulit-ulit din pong sinasabi ni Atty. Lopez na wala siyang alam sa utilization ng confidential funds ng OVP. Paulit-ulit ito na sagot (Atty. Lopez kept repeatedly saying she knew nothing about the utilization of OVP confidential funds. She kept repeating this answer),” Chua said.

Chua presented documents contradicting Lopez’s claims, including fund liquidation records signed by her.

He further noted that Lopez had authored a letter attempting to block the Commission on Audit from complying with a congressional subpoena.

“Kung titingnan po ang totality of Atty. Lopez’ acts, malinaw na merong (If we look at the totality of Atty. Lopez’s acts, it is clear there is a) persistent and willful attempt to to interfere, frustrate, and defeat the inquiry undertaken by the Committee,” Chua said.

The controversy has been further complicated by the actions of the Vice President, who reportedly stayed overnight in the House of Representatives’ complex multiple times since Lopez’s detention.

Chua slammed Duterte’s presence as a blatant violation of security protocols and a deliberate attempt to derail the inquiry.

Despite multiple concessions, including extended visiting hours, medical care, and access to Lopez’s personal physician and legal counsel, Duterte allegedly continued to disregard House rules.

This prompted the committee to order Lopez’s transfer to the Correctional Institute for Women in Mandaluyong City.

For humanitarian reasons, House Secretary General Reginald Velasco prioritized Lopez’s health and directed her temporary stay at VMMC.

Duterte attended Monday’s hearing and took an oath before the House panel.

Key OVP officials close to Duterte — Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio, Special Disbursing Officer Gina Acosta, and husband-and-wife Edward and Sunshine Charry Fajarda — also attended the hearing after being subpoenaed and cited in contempt for repeatedly failing to appear in earlier sessions.