LOPEZ RESIGNS AS OVP CHIEF OF STAFF

Undersecretary Zuleika Lopez will resign as Vice President Sara Duterte’s chief of staff after the conclusion of congressional hearings on the OVP’s confidential funds. Lopez’s decision follows trauma from her detention ordeal, with Duterte criticizing House Speaker Martin Romualdez for Lopez’s resignation. Lopez was detained for contempt during inquiries into OVP budget misuse and later transferred to another facility due to security concerns. Duterte described the detention as “attempted homicide” and demanded accountability, while the House insisted protocol was followed. Authorities cited security and prevention of unrest as reasons for Lopez’s transfer.