Eyes Wide Open
The Philippine Star|November 24, 2024
Filipinos woke up yesterday to yet another drama that unfolded in this nation of 120 million.
IRIS GONZALES
Eyes Wide Open

Past witching hour at the House of Representatives early Saturday, tensions flared up as Sara Duterte's chief of staff, Undersecretary Zuleika Lopez, fell seriously ill after the House of Representatives ordered her transfer to the Women's Correctional Facility.

She was initially rushed to the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City but was later moved to St. Luke's Medical Center with her boss, the defiant VP Sara, caught in a confrontation with the police to make sure that her aide would be transferred to St. Luke's rather than to the correctional facility.

She was seen shouting at policemen, a grim reminder of the 2011 incident when she punched a court sheriff in Davao.

Earlier on Friday evening, VP Sara wanted to spend the night with Lopez at the House detention facility but was not allowed to. She then decided to spend the night in the office of her brother, Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte.

Lopez was cited in contempt for requesting the Commission on Audit to ignore a subpoena from the House directing it to submit its audit reports on the use of confidential funds in 2022 and 2023.

Once again, we have become unwitting witnesses to VP Sara's bloated sense of entitlement, perhaps a result of being used to always getting her way in Davao.

But wait, there's more.

As if all this drama weren't enough, VP Sara, in a press briefing via Zoom on Friday night, also unleashed an utterly disturbing revelation.

This story is from the November 24, 2024 edition of The Philippine Star.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the November 24, 2024 edition of The Philippine Star.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE PHILIPPINE STARView All
JETSETTER-APPROVED DESTINATIONS TO GO BIG ON YOUR CHRISTMAS TRIP
The Philippine Star

JETSETTER-APPROVED DESTINATIONS TO GO BIG ON YOUR CHRISTMAS TRIP

Doc Kim, aka The Moonlighting Doctor, Jax Reyes, The Poor Traveler, and Amanda Griffin-Jacob spill their favorite holiday trips, mishaps, and more

time-read
3 mins  |
November 24, 2024
The Philippine Star

A Hallyu fan's itinerary

Experience South Korea and fulfill your \"K\" fantasy

time-read
2 mins  |
November 24, 2024
Mobile apps to organize your perfect Christmas getaway
The Philippine Star

Mobile apps to organize your perfect Christmas getaway

These mobile applications can help you arrange a million journeys in just one device

time-read
1 min  |
November 24, 2024
'TIS THE SEASON TO HAVE THE BEST HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE AT NEWPORT WORLD RESORTS
The Philippine Star

'TIS THE SEASON TO HAVE THE BEST HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE AT NEWPORT WORLD RESORTS

The most wonderful time of the year has arrived, casting Newport World Resorts in festive cheer, cozy staycations, and seasonal events across the property.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 24, 2024
Catriona Gray on Chelsea Manalo: I'm really proud of her
The Philippine Star

Catriona Gray on Chelsea Manalo: I'm really proud of her

Former Miss Universe Catriona Gray shared her thoughts on the recently concluded Miss Universe 2024 in Mexico, expressing pride in the Philippines' representative, Chelsea Manalo, despite her not advancing to the Top 12.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 24, 2024
JONATHAN ROUMIE ON PLAYING JESUS IN 'THE CHOSEN': MY LIFE WAS COMPLETELY CHANGED
The Philippine Star

JONATHAN ROUMIE ON PLAYING JESUS IN 'THE CHOSEN': MY LIFE WAS COMPLETELY CHANGED

AMERICAN ACTOR Jonathan Roumie has shared how his life got \"completely changed\" after being cast as Jesus in the most popular faith-based series, \"The Chosen\"

time-read
5 mins  |
November 24, 2024
'Gladiator 3' already in works, says director
The Philippine Star

'Gladiator 3' already in works, says director

LOS ANGELES - Ridley Scott's long-awaited \"Gladiator\" sequel has not even hit US theaters yet, but the veteran director is already hard at work on a third installment.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 24, 2024
Say It Clear Say It Loud is a love letter to the world
The Philippine Star

Say It Clear Say It Loud is a love letter to the world

I wanted to create a stronger presence for the LGBT community in relevant social spaces so our messages of hope, love, acceptance, and equality can be heard loud and clear.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 24, 2024
EDDIE ROMERO'S 'GANITO' SELECTED FOR UNESCO MEMORY OF THE WORLD
The Philippine Star

EDDIE ROMERO'S 'GANITO' SELECTED FOR UNESCO MEMORY OF THE WORLD

Blitz review

time-read
3 mins  |
November 24, 2024
ROBINSONS ARTABLADO PRESENTS VICSON APOSTOL'S 'HOME'
The Philippine Star

ROBINSONS ARTABLADO PRESENTS VICSON APOSTOL'S 'HOME'

For Filipino artist Vicson Apostol, the idea of \"home\" transcends the confines of walls and roofs.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 24, 2024