The House of Representatives has directed the return of Atty. Zuleika Lopez, chief of staff to the Office of the Vice President (OVP), from St. Luke’s Medical Center to the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) in Quezon City.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed the development on Saturday.
“We are going to transport Asec. Leika from St. Luke’s hospital to Veterans hospital. This is in compliance with the directive of the House of Representatives to Major General Napoleon Taas as the Sergeant-at-Arms,” said Police Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III, director of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), during a media briefing.
Emotional Scene at St. Luke’s
Footage shared by GMA Integrated News showed Lopez in tears as she embraced Vice President Sara Duterte after being served the transfer order. Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, a Duterte ally, was also present during the emotional moment.
Lopez had been transferred to St. Luke’s earlier for medical reasons, following her removal from the House detention facility. The transfer was controversial, with Lopez raising concerns about her safety during the late-night move.
“This is a threat to my life,” Lopez said at the time.
Context of Detention
Lopez was cited in contempt by the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability for alleged “undue interference” in the ongoing investigation into the disbursement of confidential funds by the OVP and the Department of Education under Vice President Sara Duterte’s leadership.
Initially detained at the House facility, Lopez was later moved to the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) but reported feeling unwell, prompting her transfer to St. Luke’s.
Arrival at VMMC
Lopez’s camp arrived at VMMC at approximately 1:30 PM on Saturday, complying with the latest directive.
The case continues to draw significant attention due to its political and legal implications, as well as Lopez’s close association with Vice President Duterte, who has publicly defended her chief of staff amid ongoing controversies.