FILE

The House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, led by Chair Joel Chua, has taken a firm stance in its investigation into key officials at the Office of the Vice President (OVP). In an official letter dated October 17, 2024, addressed to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, Chua formally requested the Department of Justice (DOJ) to issue a lookout bulletin order for six current OVP officials and one former Department of Education (DepEd) official, who has since moved to the OVP. The committee’s action aims to ensure the continued availability of these officials as the inquiry moves forward, given concerns they may attempt to leave the country.

The officials involved sre Atty. Zuleika Lopez, Chief of Staff of the OVP; Atty. Lemuel Ortonio, Assistant Chief of Staff and Chair of the Bids and Awards Committee; Atty. Rosalynne Sanchez, Director of Administrative and Financial Services; Gina Acosta, Special Disbursing Officer; Juleita Villadeirey, Chief Accountant; Edward Fajarda, Special Disbursing Officer (formerly with DepEd); and Atty. Sunshine Charry Fajarda, a former DepEd Assistant Secretary.

In the letter, Chua explained the significance of their testimonies to the ongoing inquiry, stressing the need to ensure they remain accessible to the committee. “We have information that these individuals may be preparing to leave the country,” Chua noted, urging the DOJ to take immediate action to prevent any interference in the investigation process and ensure public accountability.

The DOJ has yet to release an official response, but the lookout bulletin request highlights the committee's proactive steps in safeguarding the integrity of government funds and processes. With this move, the House committee hopes to secure cooperation from the OVP officials and expedite the investigation aimed at protecting public interests.