Vice President Sara Duterte has denied any personal relationship with Ramil Madriaga who has claimed to be her aide and alleged that Duterte instructed him to deliver money to certain individuals.

In a statement, Duterte clarified that aside from having no personal connection with Madriaga, she also never gave him instructions of any kind.

“I have never visited him in prison, nor have I spoken to him about anything at any time,” Duterte said.

The Vice President maintained that the photos submitted by Madriaga are unrelated images captured during public events where she was present.

She added that these photos do not support any of the allegations made against her.

“Mr. Madriaga has offered no proof — no documents, no corroboration — only accusations. Bare allegations, no matter how loudly repeated, amount to nothing more than noise,” Duterte said.

The country’s second top official said Madriaga appears to be “acting out of desperation” to secure his release from detention.

“Mr. Madriaga, who is currently facing serious criminal charges and has a prior criminal record, appears to be acting out of desperation to secure his release from detention,” Duterte said.

Duterte added that Madriaga is spreading false information to government authorities as part of what she called as concerted effort to obstruct and undermine her possible presidential candidacy.

ALLEGATIONS

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

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.

(With reports from GMA News Online)