Atty Zuleika Lopez Biography: Wikipedia, Age, Husband, Father, Parents, Law School, Career, Controversy, Family

Admin November 23, 2024

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Atty Zuleika Lopez Biography

Zuleika T. Lopez is a prominent Filipino lawyer and government official, currently serving as the Chief of Staff to Vice President Sara Duterte. She has maintained a close working relationship with Duterte, previously serving as Davao City Administrator during Duterte’s term as mayor.

In recent months, Lopez has become a subject of public and political attention due to her involvement in a congressional investigation concerning the alleged misuse of public funds in the Office of the Vice President (OVP). On November 4, 2024, Lopez left for the United States, just one day before a scheduled House probe into the OVP’s budget utilization. This timing raised concerns among lawmakers, who questioned her absence.

Subsequently, on November 20, 2024, the House committee ordered Lopez’s detention until November 25, the next scheduled hearing on the matter. These developments have positioned Lopez at the center of a high-profile political controversy, drawing attention to her influential role within the OVP and her close association with Vice President Duterte.

Zuleika Lopez Age

Zuleika Lopez’s age has not been publicly disclosed.

Zuleika Lopez Hometown

Zuleika T. Lopez is originally from Davao City, Philippines.

Zuleika Lopez Educational Background

Zuleika Lopez earned her law degree from the University of the Philippines, where she developed her legal expertise and skills.

Zuleika Lopez Career

Zuleika T. Lopez has built a distinguished career as a lawyer and government official, playing a significant role in various government offices and administrative functions both locally and nationally.

Early Government Service

Lopez began her career in public service in 1995 as an Information Officer at the University of the Philippines Mindanao shortly after its founding. She was one of the institution’s first employees and played a key role in disseminating information about the university’s programs. She worked there until 2007, gaining expertise in communication and public relations.

Role at the Office of the Ombudsman

Lopez then transitioned to the Office of the Ombudsman in Mindanao, serving as a Graft Investigator and Prosecution Officer until 2007. Her role involved investigating and prosecuting corruption cases, demonstrating her dedication to ethical governance and legal justice.

Service in Davao City Government

In 2007, Lopez joined the Davao City government as Secretary of the City Council under then-Vice Mayor Sara Duterte. When Duterte became mayor in 2010, Lopez was appointed City Administrator, a role she held from July 6, 2010, to August 4, 2010, and again in an acting capacity until 2013. She resumed this position from 2016 to 2022 during Duterte’s subsequent mayoral terms, where she played a crucial role in implementing the mayor’s policies and managing city operations.

Chief of Staff to the Vice President

When Sara Duterte assumed the Vice Presidency in 2022, Lopez was appointed as Chief of Staff to the Office of the Vice President (OVP) on July 26, 2022. In this position, she oversees socioeconomic programs and manages operational matters, contributing her administrative expertise to the OVP’s initiatives.

Congressional Investigations

In 2024, Lopez became a focal figure in congressional probes into allegations of confidential fund misuse within the OVP. Her absence from key House hearings, including her trip to the United States on November 4, 2024, a day before a scheduled probe, drew criticism from lawmakers.

On her return, Lopez attended a House hearing on November 20, 2024, where she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to clarify her absence. Despite this, her role in the investigation remains under scrutiny.

Zuleika Lopez Controversies

Zuleika T. Lopez has faced significant controversies in 2024, primarily related to the alleged misuse of confidential funds in the OVP.

Departure Before Probe: On November 4, 2024, she traveled to the United States, citing a family medical emergency. This occurred a day before a scheduled congressional hearing, leading to suspicions about her intent and commitment to accountability.
Procurement Allegations: Former Department of Education (DepEd) Undersecretary Gloria Jumamil Mercado testified that Lopez asked her to resign after raising concerns about procurement practices during Duterte’s tenure as Education Secretary. This allegation suggested possible administrative overreach, further complicating Lopez’s position.

These events have amplified concerns over governance and transparency within the OVP, keeping Lopez in the spotlight.

Zuleika Lopez Personal Life

Zuleika Lopez keeps her personal life private. Information about her husband and children has not been disclosed publicly.

Zuleika Lopez Net Worth

As of 2024, Zuleika Lopez is estimated to have a net worth of $1 million.

FAQs

Who is Zuleika T. Lopez?

Zuleika T. Lopez is a Filipino lawyer and government official, serving as the Chief of Staff to Vice President Sara Duterte.

What positions has she held in the government?

Lopez has worked as an Information Officer at the University of the Philippines Mindanao, Graft Investigator at the Office of the Ombudsman in Mindanao, Secretary of the Davao City Council, City Administrator of Davao City, and Chief of Staff to the Vice President.

Has she been involved in controversies?

Yes, Lopez has been involved in controversies regarding the alleged misuse of confidential funds within the OVP and procurement practices during Duterte’s tenure as Education Secretary.