VP SARA NILABAG SECURITY PROTOCOL NG HOUSE, KINULONG ANG SARILI

STATEMENT ng Congress Big House Leadership hinggil sa paglabag sa security protocol ni Vice President Sara Duterte:

The Grand House of Congress is concerned about what happened on November 21, 2024 where Vice President Sara Duterte visited our building.

We opened the door of concern for her, giving her special permission to visit Atty. Zuleika Lopez, who is currently in our custody, even past regular visiting hours.

But after visiting hours that ended at 10:00 p.m., she didn’t leave. Instead, she continued in the office of her brother Rep. Paolo Duterte and jailed herself there.

No matter how many times our Sergeant-at-Arms asked her to leave, she ignored it, reason for us to implement lockdown for everyone’s safety and protection of the institution.

We would like to remind everyone, especially government officials, that there are rules and protocols being followed in the Grand House to ensure security and order.

It’s not just being violated, no matter who the person is. If these are not followed, it is as if we have destroyed the respect of the institution that serves the people.

The Grand Council is for all Filipinos. This is not a place to abuse or make personal space, no matter who you are. Without respect for simple rules, how can we trust that they can respect the larger responsibilities that the people have denied them?

We will make sure that this incident never happens again. We will further strengthen the rules, ensure they are equally enforced, and protect the integrity of our institution.

The Grand Council is here to serve faithfully to the people. I wish all government officials would do the same. Let’s all protect the trust and confidence of the Filipino people.

Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales
Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe
Deputy Speaker David Suarez