HOUSE Assistant Majority Leader and Zambales 1st District Rep. Jefferson “Jay” Khonghun slammed Vice President Sara Duterte for falsely accusing the House of Representatives of delaying medical assistance to her detained chief of staff, Zuleika Lopez.
In a statement, Khonghun called the claims a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and discredit the legislative institution.
“The Vice President’s narrative of delayed medical response is completely false and an insult to the personnel who acted swiftly and professionally to ensure Atty. Lopez’s safety,” Khonghun said.
Citing the timeline provided by House Secretary General Reginald Velasco, Khonghun emphasized that Lopez showed symptoms on Saturday at 2:29 a.m., her doctor was granted access by 2:35 a.m., and by 3:08 a.m., she was en route to Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC).
“Every step was handled with urgency and care,” Khonghun stressed.
Khonghun accused Duterte of using the incident to deflect from her own obstruction of a lawful order to transfer Lopez from the House detention facility to the Correctional Institute for Women in Mandaluyong City.
“The Vice President blocked a legal order, staged a press conference, and now blames the House. This is blatant misdirection,” Khonghun pointed out.
He said the House prioritized Lopez’s health by temporarily keeping her at VMMC despite Duterte’s interference.
“The House acted responsibly and compassionately. It’s VP Duterte who must explain her actions, including obstructing justice and politicizing this issue,” Khonghun said.
