VP Sara Duterte denies links with Madriaga

Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday refuted that she has a personal relationship with Ramil Madriaga, alleging that he is working to undermine her possible plans to run for president. 

In an official statement, Duterte said that Madriaga, who is claiming to be her former aide, has offered no proof nor documents to support his “bare allegations.” 

Madriaga has alleged that drug dealers and Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) are funding the campaign Inday Sara Duterte is My President (ISIP) Pilipinas.

“I do not have a personal relationship with Ramil Madriaga, nor have I ever given him instructions of any kind. I have never visited him in prison, nor have I spoken to him about anything at any time,” the Vice President said. 

“The photographs he submitted are unrelated images taken during public events where I was present. These images do not support his allegations and merely show that he was present as part of an election campaign group,” she added. 

Duterte further alleged that Madriaga appears to be “acting out of desperation” to secure his release from detention. 

“He is now disseminating false statements to government authorities as part of a concerted effort to obstruct and undermine my possible candidacy for President,” she said. 

According to Madriaga, he worked with Col. Dennis Nolasco and Col. Raymund Lachica regarding tactical transport services, securing Duterte and other VIPs, and transporting large amounts of money to people from July 2022 to April 2023. 

One of the sections in his affidavit was titled “confidential funds,” where he detailed alleged instances wherein he delivered millions and even a billion in cash. 

According to a report on "24 Oras," Madriaga once sought help from the Vice President regarding a case. She reportedly visited him in Camp Bagong Diwa, where he is detained on a kidnapping for ransom charge.

Both former OVP spokesperson Reynold Munsayac and Lachica have denied Madriaga’s allegations, claiming that they did not know Madriaga or have had any dealings with him. 

The camp of Madriaga has also asked Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla to probe his allegations as stated in his sworn affidavit.

This came after House committee on human rights chairperson and Manila Rep. Benny Abante called on the Office of the Ombudsman and House panels to investigate Madriaga's allegations.—AOL, GMA Integrated News