Court allows VP Sara 'aide' Madriaga to testify in impeach proceedings

The Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) has allowed detainee Ramil Madriaga, a confessed bagman of Vice President Sara Duterte, to attend the impeachment hearing against her in the House of Representatives. 

"Acting on the letter dated March 31, 2026 by Hon. Atty. Gerville 'Jinky Bitrics' R. Luistro, Chairperson, Committee on Justice and Hon. Faustino 'Bojie' G. Dy III, Speaker of the House of Representatives, requesting the Court to allow PDL (person deprived of liberty) Ramil Lagunoy Madriaga to appear before the Committee on Justice in relation to the hearing on determination of probable cause In the Matter of the Verified Complaints for Impeachment Against Vice President Sara Duterte, the same is granted," the court order read.

The document was dated April 7, Tuesday, and released on Wednesday, April 8.

"Accordingly, accused Ramil Lagunoy Madriaga is hereby allowed to appear before the Committee on Justice located at the 2nd Floor of the People's Center, House of Representatives, Batasang Pambansa Complex, Constitution Hills, Quezon city on April 14, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with proper jail escorts," it added.

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

Madriaga's allegations have been denied by the Vice President, saying he was never her aide or a bagman.

The decision of the Manila RTC-Branch 21 was in response to the request of the House justice committee, which stated that Madriaga was considered a "key witness."

The April 14 requested date is the committee's scheduled hearing for the determination of probable cause with regard to the impeachment proceeding.

Madriaga is a detainee in the BJMP facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City due to a pending kidnapping charge. — VDV, GMA News