OVP Chief-of-staff Zuleika Lopez (PPAB)

Leaders of the House of Representatives insisted that due process and the legal rights of its detainee Office of the Vice President (OVP) Chief-of-staff Zuleika Lopez were upheld amid the “misleading narratives” coming from the camp of Vice President Sara Duterte.

In a statement on Monday, Nov. 25, House Majority Leader and Zamboanga 2nd district Rep. Mannix Dalipe criticized Duterte and her supporters for supposedly distorting the truth.

Dalipe, in particular, questioned the claim that lawyers were prohibited from visiting Lopez during her detention at House premises.

“These claims are nothing but an attempt to tarnish the credibility of the House while ignoring the reality that legal representation was fully respected,” he emphasized, as he noted that Duterte herself acted as Lopez’s legal counsel, alongside lawyer Lito Go.

Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga 3rd district Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. also slammed the Vice President for allegedly misrepresenting the chamber’s standard protocols, particularly on phone usage by detainees.

“It is infuriating to see the Vice President and her allies twisting facts to suit their narrative. The claim that phones were confiscated is a blatant lie,” Gonzales said in a separate statement.

The veteran lawmaker explained that this was not case of discrimination, as Lopez and her companion voluntarily surrendered their phones after their allotted usage time.

“VP Duterte knows this, yet she insists on spreading disinformation to discredit the institution,” Gonzales pointed out.

Lopez has been under House study since she was cited in contempt for “undue interference” in the ongoing probe into the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds by Duterte.

Lopez was ordered transferred to the Correctional Institute for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City amid “serious security breaches” by Duterte.

However, the OVP official was later redirected to the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) following a health episode.

“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,” said Quezon 2nd district Rep. David Suarez.

House Assistant Majority Leader and Zambales 1st district Rep. Jay Khonghun likewise asserted that the alleged delayed medical assistance was a “blatant misdirection” from the country’s second top official.

“The House acted responsibly and compassionately. It’s VP Duterte who must explain her actions, including obstructing justice and politicizing this issue,” noted Khonghun.

Suarez, a deputy speaker, called out Duterte for “twisting facts” and “spreading lies to paint herself as a victim”.

“Her actions undermine not just the House but also the integrity of our justice system,” the congressman said.

“VP Duterte owes the House and the public an apology for her actions, which have done a disservice to justice and accountability,” he added.