By Junex Doronio

MANILA — House Majority Leader and Zamboanga City 2nd District Rep. Manuel Jose “Mannix” M. Dalipe on Monday (November 25, 2024) strongly condemned the misleading narratives spread by Vice President Sara Duterte and her allies regarding the detention of her chief of staff, Atty. Zuleika Lopez, at the House of Representatives.

“It is outrageous that Vice President Duterte and her supporters are distorting the truth. The House has always respected due process and upheld the legal rights of detainees,” Dalipe asserted.

“The timeline clearly shows that the allegations of denying lawyers entry are baseless and untrue,” he added.

Dalipe emphasized that Duterte herself acted as Lopez’s legal counsel during crucial hours, along with Atty. Lito Go, who was granted immediate access upon arrival.

“These claims are nothing but an attempt to tarnish the credibility of the House while ignoring the reality that legal representation was fully respected,” Dalipe said.

The Majority Leader also criticized Duterte for obstructing House personnel in carrying out the order to transfer Lopez from the House custodial facility to the Correctional Institute for Women in Mandaluyong City.

“Instead of complying with lawful processes, the Vice President chose to hold a press conference at midnight. Is this the behavior of someone who respects the rule of law?” Dalipe questioned.

The Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability had earlier ordered Lopez detained for contempt during its investigation into Duterte’s alleged misuse of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds.

However, due to Duterte’s repeated security breaches, including her insistence on accompanying Lopez in detention, the committee decided to transfer Lopez to the Correctional Institute for Women. This transfer was obstructed by Duterte, delaying its implementation.

For humanitarian reasons, House Secretary General Reginald S. Velasco prioritized Lopez’s health and directed her temporary stay at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City.

Dalipe said the House will not allow its integrity to be undermined by misinformation.

“We urge the public to see through these blatant attempts to twist the facts and derail the pursuit of justice,” he added.

ia/mnm