OVP Chief-of-staff Zuleika Lopez gets served her transfer order to the Women’s Correctional Facility (Screenshot from contributed video)

The House of Representatives has denied allegations of ill treatment toward Office of the Vice President (OVP) Chief-of-staff Zuleika Lopez, as well as the confiscation of her phones.

In a statement Sunday, Nov. 24, Secretary General Reginald Velasco said all of the House's actions during Lopez's detention at Batasan complex adhered to established protocols and due process. 

This included the response to a medical emergency involving Vice President Sara Duterte's trusted aide, Lopez.

“At 2:29 a.m. on Nov. 23, 2024, Atty. Lopez exhibited symptoms of a medical emergency, including vomiting and signs of a panic attack. By 2:35 a.m., her doctor was granted access to evaluate her condition,” Velasco stated. 

“An ambulance from the Quezon City Police District arrived shortly after, and by 3:08 a.m., she was en route to the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC). Claims of a delayed response are unfounded,” he added.

Lopez was declared stable after her transfer to VMMC and was later brought to St. Luke’s Medical Center for further evaluation. 

“She received comprehensive medical care, and her safety was ensured at all times, with House representatives accompanying her,” said the House official.

On the alleged refusal to allow Lopez’s lawyers access, Velasco clarified that no lawyer was denied entry. 

“Before any lawyer arrived at the House premises, Vice President Sara Duterte entered Atty. Lopez’s detention room and introduced herself as her legal counsel. At 12:25 a.m., Atty. Lito Go, another lawyer, was granted access to provide legal assistance,” he explained.

Velasco noted that instead of complying with a transfer order issued earlier, Lopez, with Duterte by her side, conducted a press conference via Zoom from her detention room. 

“This action delayed the implementation of the lawful transfer order,” he added.

'Phones voluntarily surrendered'

Velasco also branded as baseless the claims that Lopez’s phones were confiscated.

“The claim that detainees’ phones were confiscated is false. Detainees and their companions are subject to specific time limits for phone usage as part of security protocols. Atty. Lopez and her companion voluntarily surrendered their phones after being politely informed that their time had ended,” he stated.

Velasco detailed the events leading to Lopez’s transfer order. 

“The Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability held a duly convened meeting on November 22, 2024, where it unanimously decided to transfer Atty. Lopez to the Women’s Correctional Facility in Mandaluyong City,” he said. 

However, the implementation was delayed due to her medical emergency.

READ MORE:

https://mb.com.ph/2024/11/23/solon-suspicious-over-vp-sara-s-insistence

'VP Sara blocked transfer order'

Velasco also accused Duterte of obstructing the lawful transfer. “Vice President Duterte blocked the detention room, preventing the immediate implementation of the transfer order. This behavior only complicated the situation further.”

Despite the obstruction, Velasco emphasized the House’s focus on Lopez’s health and well-being. “For humanitarian reasons, the Secretary General directed that Atty. Lopez remain at VMMC until she was stable enough for transfer."

He reiterated the House’s commitment to upholding detainees’ rights and ensuring humane treatment. 

“The House strictly follows due process and established protocols to safeguard the rights and safety of all detainees. We remain steadfast in our duty to uphold accountability and respect for human rights,” he added.

“We assure the public that all actions taken were in accordance with established guidelines, and any concerns raised will be thoroughly reviewed to ensure accountability and transparency," Velasco further said.