Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said that the allegations of Ramil Madriaga, who claimed to be a former aide of Vice President Sara Duterte, should be formally examined in a House inquiry before being used in any new impeachment complaint.
Ridon stressed that the chamber “cannot simply ignore [Madriaga’s] sworn allegations,” particularly since they could carry “constitutional consequences” if incorporated into an impeachment case.
Madriaga alleged that Duterte’s 2022 electoral campaign was funded by drug syndicates and Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), claiming he acted as her “bagman” in moving large sums of money across the country from July 2022 to August 2023.
The vice president denied any link to Madriaga, calling his exposé a ploy to undermine her potential 2028 presidential bid.
Civil society groups have hinted at filing new impeachment complaints against Duterte, focusing on her use of confidential funds and alleged threats to Presidential First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Ridon said that if lawmakers intend to use Madriaga’s claims as grounds for impeachment, Congress must secure “corroborative evidence” to establish a direct connection between the supposed aide and Duterte.
The lawmaker also suggested that the House, through the Commission on Audit, could verify Madriaga’s claim that he served as a government employee or confidential agent, while noting that the alleged aide “is not a saint” but should still be allowed to face a formal inquiry.
