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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider VP Sara asks to join chief of staff in House detention due to physical condition, 'sadness'

VP Sara asks to join chief of staff in House detention due to physical condition, 'sadness'

Published Nov 22, 2024 06:14 am

Vice President Sara Duterte has requested the House of Representatives to allow her to join her chief of staff, Zuleika Lopez, in detention after the latter was cited in contempt.

The Vice President cited the following reasons for joining her chief of staff:

  • Lopez has chronic back problem that often results in migraines
  • Lopez feels nauseous and lightheaded
  • Lopez lacks sleep for fear of safety and security
  • Lopez is not used being alone and worries that other detainees harm her
  • Lopez is still feeling fatigue due to jetlag and "sadness about the condition of her aunt"
  • Lopez has requested Duterte to join her for peace of mind and to get rest

In a letter addressed to House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability chairman Joel Chua, Duterte asked if she could be allowed to accompany Lopez for the whole period of stay at the House for humanitarian reasons.

She said she would intend to do it daily and within the bounds of guidelines from the Office of the Sergeant-At-Arms (OSAA).

However, Duterte’s request was rejected, according to Chua’s response.

“In as much as this humble representation would like to accommodate your request, we are constrained to abide by the guidelines of the OSAA,” Chua told Duterte.

“Per the guidelines, the facility is for detainees and the Committee has not ordered for your detention. However, you may visit her during the period allowable under the OSAA guidelines,” he added.

On Thursday night and Friday morning, Duterte visited Lopez in detention.

Lopez was ordered detained for five days after being cited in contempt due to her “undue interference in proceedings.”

This came after Lopez asked the Commission on Audit (COA) to refrain from giving the House its audit observations on OVP’s confidential funds use.

Paolo Duterte lets sister stay in his office

As this developed, the Vice President's brother, Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte, has allowed her to stay in his office "indefinitely" to discharge her day-to-day duties.

The congressman, also in a letter to Chua, said his sister is amenable to stay at the House "even without electricity and running water" and even during periods of maintenance.

"I guarantee that no illegal acts of unlawful activities shall be committed by the Vice President, her security, and other personnel during their stay," he added.

Related Tags

Sara Duterte Zuleika Lopez
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