House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Representative France Castro today emphasized that the contempt citation against Office of the Vice-President (OVP) Chief of Staff Zuleika Lopez is based on multiple instances of obstruction and misrepresentation during the congressional investigation into confidential funds.
“The contempt order is not a hasty decision but rather the culmination of Ms. Lopez’s repeated attempts to obstruct our investigation. As early as the budget hearings, her letter to the Commission on Audit (COA) already showed clear intent to block congressional oversight,” Castro stated.
“Napakalinaw sa mga ebidensya na si Ms. Lopez ay direktang may alam sa paggamit at pag-disburse ng confidential funds. Hindi katanggap-tanggap ang kanyang pahayag na wala siyang kinalaman dito, lalo na’t siya mismo ang Chief of Staff ng OVP,” Castro explained.
“The testimony of former USec Jumamil-Mercado is particularly disturbing. Her account suggests that those who refused to participate in questionable procurement practices were systematically removed from their positions. This is not just about confidential funds anymore – this points to a broader pattern of strong-arm tactics and cover-ups,” Castro emphasized.
Castro also refuted Lopez’s claims about their COA communications. “Their letter to COA wasn’t merely seeking clarification pending audit findings. It was a categorical objection to the House investigation, showing their determination to impede our constitutional mandate of oversight.”
“We challenge the Office of the Vice President particularly VP Sara Duterte to stop these squid and delaying tactics and face the investigation squarely. The Filipino people deserve nothing less than complete transparency and accountability,” Castro concluded.#
