Lopez resigning as OVP chief of staff

MANILA, Philippines — Undersecretary Zuleika Lopez will step down as Vice President Sara Duterte’s chief of staff after the House of Representatives concludes its hearings on the confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President (OVP), citing the emotional strain of the process.

Duterte announced the decision over the weekend, saying Lopez had been traumatized by her detention ordeal on Saturday.

“She expressed (her intentions) earlier (to resign). She said, ‘I want to resign from the Office of the Vice President.’ And I told her, OK,” Duterte told reporters on Saturday.

Dismayed by the development, Duterte blamed Speaker Martin Romualdez, saying he won.

“So, yes, on that point, Martin Romualdez won. She’s resigning. She will just finish the hearings,” Duterte said.

Lopez was ordered detained on Wednesday by the House committee on good government and public accountability after being cited for contempt for “undue interference” in House proceedings on the confidential budget of the OVP.

However, the committee ordered Lopez’s transfer to the Correctional Institute for Women past 11 p.m. on Friday – a decision that triggered the lawyer’s bouts of vomiting and fainting spells.

Asked about Lopez’s condition, Duterte said she remains traumatized and shaken after her encounters with police officers and personnel of the House’s legislative security.

“She woke up several times in the night, had three dreams of someone smothering her with a pillow. (She had) no appetite. We fed her fruits just so she could take her medications,” Duterte said.

The Vice President said Lopez had been begging not to be left alone.

“She allowed me to go see my children for as long as Sen. Bong Go will replace me and that I come back in the evening. She demanded lawyers stay outside the room 24 hours a day. She wants to meet with lawyers daily,” Duterte added.

The Vice President earlier branded the House’s order and attempt to take Lopez out of the detention facility as “attempted homicide,” and called for accountability from the lawmakers and law enforcers involved.

But House Assistant Majority Leader and Zambales 1st District Rep. Jay Khonghun explained that moving Lopez to another