The legal team of Vice President Sara Duterte refutes claims by Ramil Madriaga that P125 million in confidential funds was disbursed within 24 hours under her instruction during impeachment hearings.
The camp of Vice President Sara Duterte has firmly rejected allegations that P125 million in confidential funds were disbursed within a 24-hour period on her orders. Atty. Salvador Paolo Panelo Jr., legal counsel for Duterte, dismissed the claims made by Ramil Madriaga who identified himself as a former aide and bagman for the Vice President. Panelo stated that Madriaga has no factual basis for his accusations and no involvement with the confidential funds in any capacity, emphasizing that Madriaga never served as an employee of VP Sara Duterte.
The allegations surfaced during an impeachment hearing at the House of Representatives where Madriaga presented his claims without documentary evidence, highlighting that the transactions concerned were cash-based. Panelo questioned Madriaga’s credibility, noting that the only connections presented involved campaign photos, group Zoom meetings with volunteers, and a birthday greeting video—none establishing a personal working relationship.
Panelo further noted that the birthday greeting was a standard video recorded on request, typically for individuals whom the Vice President does not personally know. Regarding Madriaga’s signing of a bank secrecy waiver, Panelo explained it would only reveal accounts under Madriaga’s name and not substantiate any link to Duterte herself.
The legal counsel suggested Madriaga may have ulterior motives, citing a Facebook Messenger message Madriaga sent to Lieutenant Colonel Dennis Nolasco indicating his intention to become a state witness as a means to avoid incarceration. Panelo added that Duterte’s absence from the impeachment proceedings was purposeful, given restrictions limiting questions directed at confronting Madriaga.
All statements reflect the official legal defense team’s position amid ongoing political proceedings.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/983946/sara-duterte-impeachment-ramil-madriaga-p125m-confidential-funds/story/
