Rep Chua criticizes VP Sara for acting as Lopez's lawyer

On Saturday, November 23, Rep. Joel Chua criticized Vice President Sara Duterte for claiming she was acting as legal counsel for her chief of staff Atty. Zuleika Lopez who had been detained.

Chua argued that Duterte's action violates the Philippine Constitution, which prohibits government officials from practicing other professions during their tenure.

The lawmaker cited Section 13, Article VII of the Constitution, stating that such officials cannot directly or indirectly practice any profession while in office.

House Sergeant-at-arms confirmed that Vice President Sara Duterte acted as Lopez' legal counsel to block a House order transferring her chief of staff to a women's prison in Mandaluyong City.

The detention transfer order was issued by Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua due to security reasons, following a hearing on the alleged misuse of public funds by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) under Duterte.