Vice President Sara Duterte has officially broken her silence regarding the controversial claims made by Ramil Madriaga, a detainee who alleges he served as a former aide to the Vice President. In a strongly worded statement released on Monday, Duterte dismissed Madriaga’s accusations as “bare allegations” designed to derail her political future.
Refuting Personal Connections and POGO Links
The controversy stems from Madriaga’s sworn affidavit, in which he claims that drug syndicates and Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) have been funding the “Inday Sara Duterte is My President” (ISIP) Pilipinas movement. Madriaga further alleged that he facilitated the transport of massive sums of money—sometimes reaching billions of pesos—under the guise of “confidential funds” between 2022 and 2023.
Vice President Duterte categorically denied any personal or professional relationship with the accuser. “I do not have a personal relationship with Ramil Madriaga, nor have I ever given him instructions of any kind,” she stated. Addressing claims that she visited him at Camp Bagong Diwa, where he is held on kidnapping for ransom charges, the VP clarified that she has never spoken to him nor visited him in detention.
“Desperate” Efforts to Undermine Candidacy
Duterte characterized Madriaga’s actions as those of a man acting out of desperation to secure his release from prison. She argued that the photographs Madriaga provided as “evidence” are merely snapshots from public campaign events where she was present, offering no proof of a close association.
According to the Vice President, these allegations are part of a concerted effort to obstruct her possible run for the presidency. She suggested that the false statements are being disseminated to government authorities specifically to create a narrative of corruption and illegality ahead of future elections.
Denials from the OVP and Military Officials
The Vice President is not alone in her denials. Former OVP spokesperson Reynold Munsayac and Col. Raymund Lachica—whom Madriaga claimed were involved in tactical transport operations—have both stated they do not know Madriaga or his alleged activities.
Despite these denials, the situation is escalating. Manila Rep. Benny Abante, chairperson of the House Committee on Human Rights, has called for a formal investigation. Consequently, Madriaga’s legal team has petitioned the Office of the Ombudsman to probe the claims detailed in the affidavit.
As the political climate in the Philippines intensifies, this latest development highlights the growing friction between the Office of the Vice President and various legislative panels investigating government spending and external influences.