By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Will Vice President Sara Duterte remain at the House of Representatives until next Monday, when her chief of staff is set for release, and coinciding with the resumption of the Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability’s hearing?

The House panel is investigating, in aid of legislation, the alleged misuse of PHP612.5 million in confidential and intelligence funds allocated to the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd) under VP Sara’s leadership.

House Secretary General Reginald Velasco, when asked, could not provide a definite answer. He shared with reporters on Friday (November 22, 2024) that VP Sara visited her detained chief of staff, Undersecretary Zuleika Lopez, then spent the night in her brother’s office, Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte.

“The VP arrived around 7:40 p.m. and we allowed her to visit Atty. Lopez at the visitor’s center, where they stayed until around 10:00 p.m. When visiting hours ended, the VP decided to go to Congressman Pulong Duterte’s office,” Velasco disclosed.

“She’s still there in Cong. Duterte’s office,” he added. “Our security is in contact with the VP’s security team to know her plans.”

Velasco noted there is no work at the House on Friday, as employees work from Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“Congress isn’t in session. There’s no work in Congress on Fridays, although there are skeletal staff on overtime. Most offices are closed,” the House Secretary General added.

He also revealed that House security has alerted the Quezon City Police to be prepared in case of any disturbances outside the House premises.

The House panel cited Lopez for contempt, alleging undue interference in the panel’s hearings. She was detained following her letter to the Commission on Audit (COA), asking the agency to refrain from providing the House with audit observations on the OVP’s confidential funds.

Lopez will remain detained at the House for five days or until the Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability’s next hearing on Monday, November 25, 2024.

Duterte’s chief of staff was cited in contempt by the Quad Comm last Wednesday due to her “undue interference” during the committee hearing.

ia/mnm