Binigyan-diin ni House Deputy Minority Leader at ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro na ang contempt citation laban kay Zuleika Lopez, Chief of Staff ng Office of the Vice President (OVP), ay bunga ng tangka nilang paghadlang at maling representasyon sa pagdinig ng Kamara de Representantes sa umano’y maling paggastos sa 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,” ani Castro.

“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,” paliwanag pa ng miyembro ng Makabayan bloc.

“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,” giit pa ni Castro.

Pinabulaanan din ni Castro ang mga pahayag ni Lopez tungkol sa kanilang letter sa COA. “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 particulalry 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,” diin pa Castro.