The House committee in charge of good government and public accountability has not yet decided what to do about Zuleika Lopez’s detention. Lopez is the chief of staff of Vice President Sara Duterte and was ordered detained after being found in contempt for interfering in an investigation about confidential funds.
The committee needs to decide whether to extend her detention, release her, or allow her a break. The decision will depend on various factors, including her health. Lopez became ill after she was moved to a correctional facility and is currently in the hospital. The committee will also consult with doctors before making a final decision.
The vice chairman of the committee, Jefferson “Jay” Khonghun, explained that the decision cannot be made by just one person; it needs to be a group decision. They are trying to avoid creating a situation where someone can be released just because of a technicality. Lopez had previously stated that she had no knowledge of how Vice President Duterte’s office uses its confidential funds, and the Vice President has defended her, saying Lopez was not involved in those matters.
