DEPUTY Speaker David “Jay-jay” Suarez on Monday condemned Vice President Sara Duterte’s obstruction of the lawful transfer of her chief of staff, Zuleika Lopez, to the Correctional Facility for Women in Mandaluyong City, calling it a blatant disregard for the rule of law and affront to the justice system.
“The Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability unanimously decided to transfer Atty. Lopez, yet VP Duterte chose to obstruct this lawful order,” Suarez said. “Her actions undermine not just the House but also the integrity of our justice system.”
Lopez was cited in contempt during the House committee’s investigation into the alleged misuse of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds by the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education during Duterte’s leadership.
Initially detained at the House premises, Lopez was later ordered transferred to the Correctional Facility for Women following serious security breaches committed by the Vice President.
Suarez criticized Duterte for politicizing the issue and using it to push a misleading narrative.
“Instead of respecting the decision of a duly constituted committee, VP Duterte has resorted to twisting facts and spreading lies to paint herself as a victim. This is unacceptable,” he said.
The lawmaker also defended the House’s decision to prioritize Lopez’s health over an immediate transfer.
After Lopez exhibited symptoms of a medical emergency, House Secretary General Reginald Velasco ordered her to remain at Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) for treatment.
“This directive demonstrates the House’s commitment to humane treatment and the well-being of detainees. VP Duterte’s insinuations to the contrary are baseless and damaging,” Suarez argued.
Velasco previously clarified that Lopez received prompt medical attention, with her doctor granted access within minutes and an ambulance arriving shortly thereafter.
He also noted that the transfer was delayed solely out of concern for Lopez’s health, not due to any negligence or lack of protocol.
Suarez called on the Vice President to stop misleading the public with baseless accusations and obstructionist behavior.
“The people deserve the truth, not political theatrics. VP Duterte owes the House and the public an apology for her actions, which have done a disservice to justice and accountability,” Suarez concluded
