The decision for Zuleika Lopez, the chief of staff for the Office of the Vice President (OVP), to stay at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) in Quezon City was made for humanitarian reasons, according to a top House official. Reginald Velasco, the Secretary General of the House of Representatives, explained that the decision to keep Lopez at the hospital shows the House’s priority for the health and safety of everyone, even those in detention.
Lopez was originally supposed to be moved to the Women’s Correctional Facility in Mandaluyong City. She had been detained by the House because she was found in contempt for allegedly interfering in an investigation about how confidential funds were used by the OVP, which is led by Vice President Sara Duterte.
Velasco said that Lopez’s well-being was the top concern. He explained that the decision to let her stay at VMMC was made to protect her health, as moving her to a correctional facility could cause her distress. Lopez had previously expressed fear for her safety, claiming that she felt threatened when she saw police officers or uniforms.
Lopez’s detention began after she was cited for contempt, but her stay at VMMC was delayed after a disagreement about the transfer. While Lopez expressed concern for her life in a virtual press conference, the House of Representatives assured that it was following the law and treating her with care. Doctors were called to make sure she was well, and she was sent to VMMC after medical concerns were reported.
The House is continuing to review the situation to ensure everything is handled properly, fairly, and safely. Lopez is still set to appear at a hearing on November 25, but it is uncertain whether she will attend. She has also mentioned that she might resign from her position.
