Detained OVP exec falls ill, rushed to hospital

National

UNDERSECRETARY Zuleika Lopez of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) was hospitalized early Saturday morning, November 23, after falling ill while being detained at the House of Representatives.

Lopez, who was ordered transferred to the Women’s Correctional Facility, reportedly collapsed after vomiting several times.

Vice President Sara Duterte, who accompanied Lopez to the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City, later confirmed Lopez was transferred to St. Luke’s Medical Center for further treatment.

Lopez's detention stems from a contempt citation related to her alleged interference in the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability's investigation into the use of confidential funds by the OVP and the Department of Education.

The committee had cited Lopez for signing a letter to the Commission on Audit (COA), advising the agency to disregard a subpoena related to audit documents on fund releases.

Lopez maintains she was not involved in drafting the letter, which she claims reflected the collective stance of the OVP.

Duterte, who has been visibly concerned for Lopez's well-being, has spent several nights at the House of Representatives in a show of solidarity.

She requested permission from her brother, Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte, to stay in his office while Lopez remains in detention.

Duterte also emphasized Lopez’s health concerns, citing her chronic back pain and recent nausea.

Despite her request to stay beyond regular visiting hours, House officials reminded Duterte that rules must be followed, with some members expressing frustration over the situation.

The detention is set to last until November 25, coinciding with the committee's next hearing on confidential fund disbursements.(CMM)