Vice President Sara Duterte, along with other individuals, is facing complaints of direct assault, disobedience, and grave coercion filed by the Philippine National Police (PNP).
The charges stem from a disruption at the House of Representatives Detention Center and the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) involving the detention of Duterte’s chief of staff, Atty. Zuleika Lopez.
Incident Details
The PNP, in its statement, accused Duterte, Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group (VPSPG) head Colonel Raymund Dante Lachica, and unnamed others of engaging in unlawful acts during the incident. The complaints were filed before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.
The issue arose when Lopez, cited in contempt by the House committee on good government and public accountability, was ordered to serve a five-day detention, later extended to ten days following the disruption.
Allegations
PNP Health Service’s Dr. Van Jason Villamor and witnesses submitted affidavits detailing the alleged interference by Duterte’s staff. Lachica was captured on video physically pushing Villamor, an act the PNP claims disrupted lawful detention and hospital operations.
The PNP said VPSPG personnel assisted in a “forced transfer” of Lopez from the VMMC to St. Luke’s Medical Center via a private ambulance, bypassing the detention order.
“The charges accuse Vice President Duterte, Col. Lachica, and other individuals of unlawful acts related to the assault, disobedience, and coercion that occurred during the incident,” the PNP said.
PNP Statement
PNP Chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. emphasized their commitment to uphold justice:
“We respect the legal process and trust that the courts will conduct a fair and impartial investigation into these serious allegations. The PNP continues to prioritize the rule of law and will fully cooperate with the ongoing legal proceedings to ensure transparency and accountability.”
Duterte’s Response
Duterte has called the transfer order for her chief of staff an “attempted homicide” and described the extended detention of Lopez as “illegal.”
She is expected to address the allegations in a press conference later in the day.
Meanwhile, Presidential Adviser for Poverty Alleviation Secretary Larry Gadon has filed a complaint before the Supreme Court seeking Duterte’s disbarment.