OVP confirms overseas travel of Usec Lopez, says trip is personal

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Vice President (OVP) has confirmed the departure of its Chief of Staff, Undersecretary Zuleika Lopez, from the country, saying that it was “personal and unrelated to her employment.”

Lopez is among the seven OVP officials linked to the alleged misuse of government funds under Vice President Sara Duterte’s watch. The allegations are currently being investigated by the House committee on good government and public accountability.

READ: House: 1 of 7 OVP officials linked to alleged fund misuse left PH

The OVP said Lopez traveled overseas on November 4 until 16.

“Usec. Lopez appropriately submitted documents required of traveling government officials, which were approved by the Vice President,” the office stressed in a statement on Tuesday night.

“Speculations about the purpose of this travel are unfounded and unnecessary. We request to respect the privacy of the family during this difficult time,” it added.

Earlier, lawmakers learned during the panel’s hearing that Lopez left the country for Los Angeles, California on Monday night.

On the other hand, records showed that the five others Ortonio, Sanchez, Villadelrey, Charry Fajarda, and Edward Fajarda remain in the Philippines, while Acosta’s status is still unclear since her name is similar to multiple individuals.

The panel issued another subpoena against the seven along with two others—Budget Division Chief Edelyn Rabago and Chief Administrative Officer Kelvin Gerome Teñido.

Prior to this, the panel urged the Department of Justice to issue a lookout bulletin against the seven OVP officials. The request also came after subpoenas were issued against the OVP officials for their repeated absences from previous hearings.

Manila Rep. Joel Chua, panel chair, made the request to the DOJ after receiving information that the OVP officials may be preparing to leave the country.