THE Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed on Saturday that the House of Representatives has ordered the transfer of Atty. Zuleika Lopez, chief of staff of the Office of the Vice President, from St. Luke’s Medical Center back to the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) in Quezon City.
The decision comes after a series of events that have sparked controversy and raised concerns about due process and the treatment of Lopez.
According to PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Director Police Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III, the transfer is in compliance with the House of Representatives’ directive to Major General Napoleon Taas, the Sergeant-at-Arms.
Footage shared by GMA Integrated News’ Jonathan Andal captured Lopez in tears as she embraced Vice President Sara Duterte while being served the transfer order by Torre. Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, a staunch ally of Duterte, was also present.
Lopez’s transfer back to the VMMC comes after she was initially moved to the facility from the House detention facility, where she was being held after being cited in contempt for her alleged “undue interference” in a probe into the disbursement of confidential funds by the OVP and the Department of Education under Duterte.
Lopez had expressed concern about the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability’s decision to remove her from the House detention facility in the middle of the night, stating, “This is a threat to my life.” She was subsequently transferred to St. Luke’s Medical Center.
The House’s decision to order Lopez’s return to the VMMC has raised questions about the rationale behind the transfer and the potential implications for her well-being.
Lopez’s camp arrived at the VMMC at around 1:30 p.m. The situation continues to evolve, and further developments are expected.
