House extends Lopez's detention by 5 days to 10

The House committee on good government extended Vice President Sara Duterte's chief of staff Zuleika Lopez's detention by five more days to a total of 10 days on Monday, November 25.

Deputy Minority Leader France Castro moved to extend the initial five-day contempt citation due to Lopez's absence during the probe into alleged misuse of funds in Duterte's office and the Department of Education, citing her evasive attitude and false statements.

Vice President Duterte said Tuesday that Lopez has started meeting with her lawyers regarding the committee's decision to extend her detention and will take legal steps against it.

Lopez is currently confined at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) after being cited for contempt during a hearing on alleged misuse of funds, and she no longer cries according to Duterte.

Despite these actions, Duterte attended Monday's hearing and took an oath before the House panel, while key OVP officials close to her were also subpoenaed and cited in contempt for failing to appear earlier.