Undersecretary Zuleika Lopez, Chief of Staff to Vice President Sara Duterte, was unable to attend a House inquiry on the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) budget utilization as she traveled to the United States. Lopez departed on November 4 via Philippine Airlines flight PR 102 bound for Los Angeles, confirmed by Bureau of Immigration records.
The House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, overseeing the probe, noted her absence and also issued another subpoena for six other OVP officials who failed to appear: Lemuel Ortonio, Atty. Rosalynne Sanchez, Julieta Villadelrey, Gina Acosta, Atty. Sunshine Fajarda, and Edward Fajarda. Should they decline again, the committee warns they could face contempt charges, which may lead to detention.
Manila Representative Benny Abante emphasized the committee’s frustration, stating, “Don’t challenge the committee to issue a contempt order; we’re inviting you for the fifth time.”
In a position paper, OVP officials cited the Supreme Court decision in Calida v. Trillanes, arguing they attended previous hearings voluntarily as resource persons, not as accused, and thus should be free to decline subsequent invitations. “Invitations from the Committee may be declined,” the paper stated, asserting their right to “respectfully refuse” participation.
However, Lanao del Sur Representative Zia Adiong argued that while the ruling calls for respect, it does not grant officials an absolute right to ignore a congressional subpoena. He cited Article 150 of the Revised Penal Code, emphasizing that refusal to attend a hearing constitutes a legal violation.
As of now, Lopez is the only official confirmed to be abroad, with no comment yet from the OVP.