By Junex Doronio

MANILA — House Secretary General Reginald “Reggie” S. Velasco on Sunday (24 Nov 2024) addressed all concerns surrounding the treatment of Office of the Vice President (OVP) chief-of-staff Zuleika Lopez during her detention, emphasizing that all actions adhered to established protocols and due process, particularly the response to a medical emergency and other allegations raised.

“At 2:29 a.m. on November 23, 2024, Atty. Lopez exhibited symptoms of a medical emergency, including vomiting and signs of a panic attack. By 2:35 a.m., her doctor was granted access to evaluate her condition,” Velasco stated.

“An ambulance from the Quezon City Police District arrived shortly after, and by 3:08 a.m., she was en route to the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC). Claims of a delayed response are unfounded,” he added.

Velasco added that Lopez was declared stable after her transfer to VMMC and was later brought to St. Luke’s Medical Center for further evaluation.

“She received comprehensive medical care, and her safety was ensured at all times, with House representatives accompanying her,” he said.

Addressing the alleged refusal to allow Lopez’s lawyers access, Velasco clarified that no lawyer was denied entry.

“Before any lawyer arrived at the House premises, Vice President Sara Duterte entered Atty. Lopez’s detention room and introduced herself as her legal counsel. At 12:25 a.m., Atty. Lito Go, another lawyer, was granted access to provide legal assistance,” he explained.

Velasco noted that instead of complying with a transfer order issued earlier, Lopez, with Duterte by her side, conducted a press conference via Zoom from her detention room.

“This action delayed the implementation of the lawful transfer order,” he added.

On allegations of phone confiscation, Velasco said the claims were baseless.

“The claim that detainees’ phones were confiscated is false. Detainees and their companions are subject to specific time limits for phone usage as part of security protocols. Atty. Lopez and her companion voluntarily surrendered their phones after being politely informed that their time had ended,” he stated.

Velasco detailed the events leading to Lopez’s transfer order.

“The Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability held a duly convened meeting on November 22, 2024, where it unanimously decided to transfer Atty. Lopez to the Women’s Correctional Facility in Mandaluyong City,” he said.

However, the implementation was delayed due to her medical emergency.

Velasco also accused Duterte of obstructing the lawful transfer, saying “Vice President Duterte blocked the detention room, preventing the immediate implementation of the transfer order. This behavior only complicated the situation further.”

Despite the obstruction, Velasco emphasized the House’s focus on Lopez’s health and well-being.

“For humanitarian reasons, the Secretary General directed that Atty. Lopez remain at VMMC until she was stable enough for transfer,” he explained.

He reiterated the House’s commitment to upholding detainees’ rights and ensuring humane treatment.

“The House strictly follows due process and established protocols to safeguard the rights and safety of all detainees,” Velasco said.

“We remain steadfast in our duty to uphold accountability and respect for human rights,” he added.

“We assure the public that all actions taken were in accordance with established guidelines, and any concerns raised will be thoroughly reviewed to ensure accountability and transparency.”

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