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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Solon feels 'nostalgic' with thought of VP Sara, Zuleika together in impeachment trial

Solon feels 'nostalgic' with thought of VP Sara, Zuleika together in impeachment trial

Published Jul 8, 2026 02:29 pm

At A Glance

  • Rep. Paolo Ortega notes a "nostalgic" feeling over Zuleika Lopez possibly testifying in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial.
  • He seemingly recalls Duterte's November 2024 visit to Lopez, who at that time was detained at the House of Representatives.
  • The prosecution also seeks Duterte's appearance as a hostile witness.
Vice President Sara Duterte (left), OVP Chief-of-staff Zuleika Lopez (PPAB)
Vice President Sara Duterte (left), OVP Chief-of-staff Zuleika Lopez (PPAB)


House Deputy Speaker La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega V cited a certain "nostalgic" feeling over the prospect of Zuleika Lopez joining Vice President Sara Duterte's Senate impeachment trial as a prosecution witness.
Speaking in a press conference at the Wednesday, July 9 ahead of day three of the trial, Ortega was asked about the prosecution panel's request for the Senate impeachment court to issue a subpoena for Lopez.
Ortega reminisced about the previous 19th Congress as he answered this question.
"We used to have the hearings in the House sa Blue Ribbon (Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability) and [the] quad[-committee]. So siguro nostalgic yung feeling, parang ganoon," he said.
(Perhaps, there is like a feeling of nostalgia)
Ortega then somewhat randomly threw in the line: "Di ba? (Is that right?) Love wins." He didn't elaborate.
The ilocano was seemingly hearkening back to Nov. 21, 2024, when Vice President Duterte showed up at the House of Representatives in Batasan, Quezon with the intention of visiting Lopez. She eventually slept over. 
La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega V (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)
La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega V (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)
At that time, Lopez, Duterte's chief-of-staff at the Office of the Vice President (OVP), was being detained by the good government panel, also known as the House Blue Ribbon Committee.
Duterte was the focal point of an investigation on alleged confidential funds misuse during by the particular panel.
The findings of the panel were eventually used to bolster the impeachment complaints filed in 2025 and this year against the Vice President.
The 2026 complaints prospered into the ongoing Senate trial against the twice-impeached Duterte.
The prosecution is also seeking Duterte’s appearance as a hostile witness.

Related Tags

IMPEACHMENT Zuleika Lopez impeachment trial Sara Duterte Paolo Ortega Nostalgic Love wins
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