THE Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) in Quezon City has assured the public that it is closely monitoring the health condition of Office of the Vice President (OVP) chief of staff Undersecretary Zuleika Lopez, who has been confined at the hospital since Saturday.
VMMC spokesperson Dr. Joan Mae Perez-Rifareal declined to disclose Lopez’s diagnosis, citing patient confidentiality and data privacy protocols.
“She is responsive, which is very good because it helps the medical team, the group of doctors who are taking good care of her, to gather sufficient background and information to provide her with the best quality of healthcare,” Rifareal said.
Upon Lopez’s transfer to the VMMC, Rifareal stated that a team of medical professionals immediately conducted a thorough assessment of her health. Routine diagnostic tests and imaging procedures are currently being conducted to ensure an accurate evaluation of her condition.
“VMMC remains steadfast in its commitment to providing compassionate and patient-centered care to all individuals under its care. We assure the public that Atty. Lopez is receiving the highest quality medical attention, as we provide to our veterans and retirees,” the doctor said. “Her condition will be closely monitored, and updates will be shared as necessary in accordance with patient confidentiality and privacy protocols.”
Lopez was hospitalized following a House order to transfer her to the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW). She was placed in House detention after being cited in contempt on Wednesday for her alleged “undue interference” in the panel’s investigation into the use of confidential funds by the OVP and Department of Education under Vice President Sara Duterte.
