House Secretary General Reginald Velasco confirmed on Friday that Vice President Sara Duterte recently visited her Chief of Staff, Atty. Zuleika Lopez, who is currently detained at the House of Representatives.
"Opo, pumunta po pero hindi naman po nagkagulo. Maayos naman ‘yung meeting nila. Nangyari po ‘yan sa visitor’s center, hindi po doon sa detention center ni Atty. Lopez," Velaso said in an exclusive interview with DZRH's Dos Por Dos.
According to Velasco, Vice President Duterte arrived at the Congress premises at 8:00 PM last night, November 21. Before midnight, she left and proceeded to the room of her brother, Congressman Paolo Duterte at House Wing Annex building.
The latest report from House Sergeant-at-Arms retired Maj. Gen. Napoleon Taas stated that Duterte was still at the location at 2:30 AM, with no new updates provided.
Velasco further stated that Duterte requested to accompany Atty. Lopez in the detention center, but was not allowed under the rules of the House of Representatives.
Under the rules, only relatives such as a child, parent, or other immediate family members are allowed to accompany someone in the detention center.
The regular visiting hours at Congress are from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM only.
"Ang example po natin si Col. Garma po, pinayagan na ‘yung anak niya na mag-stay there. Kasi nga sabi ni Col. Garma, wala na hong mag-aalaga na parang nanay," said Velasco.
"Ayun nga po ang hindi namin maintindihan kung bakit sasamahan niya raw po at dadalaw siya araw-araw kung kinakailangan para masamahan ang kanyang Chief of Staff," he added.
Lopez reportedly sent a letter addressed to the Chairman of the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, citing back pain and requesting the assistance of a physical therapist.
Furthermore, Duterte also wrote a letter requesting that Lopez be closely monitored due to her health issues, including dizziness, vomiting, and difficulty sleeping, which are being regularly observed by the medical team.
"Nakabantay po kami kung anong gagawin niya at kung makakatulong kami," Velasco assured.
Lopez was cited for contempt on November 20 due to alleged "undue interference" during a Committee hearing.
The next Committee hearing is scheduled for Monday, with Atty. Lopez’s contempt citation and custody lasting until that day.
