Vice President Sara Duterte on Saturday described the order to transfer her chief of staff, Undersecretary Zuleika Lopez, to the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) as an “attempted homicide,” citing Lopez’s fears for her life.
“Naniniwala ako na it was attempted homicide because she feared for her life. Pag nakakita siya ng uniform ng police, natataranta siya,” Duterte said during a media interview at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) in Quezon City.
Lopez was brought to VMMC after falling ill following the House of Representatives’ late-night decision to move her from its detention facility to CIW. Detained for alleged interference in a congressional probe into confidential funds under Duterte’s offices, Lopez expressed concern for her safety, calling the order a “threat to my life.”
Duterte criticized House Speaker Martin Romualdez, accusing him of politically motivated actions aimed at undermining her office. She also slammed President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for his alleged failure to manage Romualdez, calling the ongoing probe a “waste of time” and accusing the administration of fishing for evidence for personal gains.
The Vice President revealed she had prepared contingencies should harm come to her, including contracting someone to retaliate against Marcos, Romualdez, and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos. The Palace confirmed that Duterte’s statements had been referred to the Presidential Security Command for immediate action.
Lopez, who testified earlier that she had no involvement in the disbursement of confidential funds, said her role in the Office of the Vice President focused on socioeconomic projects. Duterte defended her, saying her management style is based on a “need-to-know” approach.
Duterte also questioned the heavy presence of SWAT personnel at the hospital and accused lawmakers of turning the investigation into a “money-making scheme.”
Lopez remains detained until November 25, the date of the next committee hearing.
