House to vet Madriaga’s claims vs VP Sara, says Ridon

The House of Representatives must follow formal procedures to verify Ramil Madriaga’s allegations if they are to be used in a new impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, House Committee on Public Accounts Chairman Terry Ridon said on Saturday.

In a statement, Ridon said Madriaga’s sworn accusations cannot be ignored if raised in an impeachment complaint with potential constitutional consequences, but they must first be formally examined through a House inquiry.

“If they want it as one of the grounds, Congress will ultimately require corroborative evidence,” he said.

Ridon added that it is too early to determine whether Madriaga’s statements could be used as evidence.

“We have to look at the entirety of the evidence at this point… We’re not saying it’s untrue. But many House members would want to see more details,” he said.

Ridon said House members will need to verify his allegations. 

“He’s not a saint. He’s not someone who’s easy to trust… Congress is where the evidence will be tested. If it’s just a story, cross-examination will reveal the truth,” he said.

Impeachment complaints against Duterte are currently on hold as Congress awaits the Supreme Court’s resolution of a motion for reconsideration (MR) filed by the 20th Congress regarding the high court’s ruling on the first impeachment complaint against the Vice President. A decision is expected in the next three to four weeks.

The MR will determine whether the Senate must resume impeachment proceedings or if the House will have to file new complaints.

Ridon said Madriaga’s allegations could potentially serve as an additional ground for impeachment, but Congress would require corroborative proof linking Madriaga directly to Duterte.

When the accusations first surfaced, the Vice President denied any relationship with her former aide and said he was being used to undermine her possible presidential plans.

Ridon also confirmed that Madriaga may submit a secondary clarificatory affidavit in the coming days.

In December, Madriaga claimed in a five-page affidavit that Duterte’s campaign was funded by drug dealers and Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

He said he was her former aide and transported large amounts of money nationwide between July 2022 and August 2023.

He also alleged that Duterte’s husband, Atty. Mans Carpio, instructed him to pick up magnetic lifters with shabu.

Madriaga later requested the Ombudsman, Jesus Crispin Remulla, to investigate his allegations and Duterte’s actions.

“We respectfully refer and endorse the attached notarized affidavit to your Honorable Office for proper disposition in accordance with your established procedures. Should your Office require additional documents or clarificatory statements, we undertake to coordinate and comply as soon as possible,” the letter accompanying his affidavit read.

“We submit this referral in deference to the Ombudsman’s authority to investigate and act upon acts or omissions of public officers and employees, and we respectfully request that the Affiant and this law firm be duly informed of any action taken, as well as any directives for further compliance,” it added.—MCG, GMA Integrated News