Multiple charges of direct assault, disobedience, and grave coercion have been filed against Vice President Sara Duterte, the head of her security detail, and others following an incident at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center over the weekend.
The case stems from a commotion that escalated in a scuffle early Saturday morning at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) in Quezon City.
The case was filed by PLt. Col. Van Jason Villamor, head of the QCPD Medical and Dental Unit. QCPD PCol. Melecio Buslig, Jr. personally accompanied Villamor when they filed the complaint before Assistant City Prosecutor Rommel Delos Reyes at the Office of the City Prosecutor in Quezon City.
According to Villamor, they did not expect that the harassment and disrespect they experienced would come from VP Sara, especially since they were merely performing their duties as law enforcement officers.
The incident took place when Atty. Zuleika Lopez, Undersecretary of the Office of the Vice President (OVP), was being transferred from St. Luke's Medical Center to the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC).
The official stated that he politely introduced himself and even spoke to the Vice President in Bisaya.
QCPD Director Buslig emphasized that filing the case against the Vice President is proof that no one is above the law.
In his earlier remarks, PNP Chief PGen. Rommel Francisco Marbil pointed out that the filing of complaints is a vital part of the legal process, adding that the PNP is committed to serving with professionalism and maintaining its integrity.
“The Philippine National Police remains steadfast in its commitment to uphold justice and ensure that all individuals are held accountable under the law, regardless of their position," said Marbil in a statement.
"We respect the legal process and trust that the courts will conduct a fair and impartial investigation into these serious allegations,” he added.
