MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte has categorically denied allegations linking her to detained kidnapping suspect Ramil Madriaga, dismissing the claims as unsubstantiated and politically motivated amid renewed speculation about her possible presidential run.
In a statement, Duterte said Madriaga, who claims to be her former aide, has failed to present any document or credible evidence to support what she described as “bare allegations” meant to tarnish her reputation.
“I do not have a personal relationship with Ramil Madriaga, nor have I ever given him instructions of any kind. I have never visited him in prison, nor have I spoken to him about anything at any time,” the Vice President said.
Madriaga earlier alleged that drug syndicates and Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) were funding the political movement Inday Sara Duterte is My President (ISIP) Pilipinas, claims which Duterte flatly denied.
“The photographs he submitted are unrelated images taken during public events where I was present. These images do not support his allegations and merely show that he was present as part of an election campaign group,” she added.
Duterte further claimed that Madriaga’s accusations appear driven by personal motives, suggesting he is attempting to secure his release from detention.
“He is now disseminating false statements to government authorities as part of a concerted effort to obstruct and undermine my possible candidacy for President,” she said.
Madriaga is currently detained on a kidnapping-for-ransom case. In a sworn affidavit, he alleged that from July 2022 to April 2023 he worked with certain security officials, citing supposed involvement in tactical transport services, VIP security operations, and the delivery of large sums of money. A portion of his affidavit, labeled “confidential funds,” detailed alleged cash deliveries amounting to millions and even a billion pesos.
He also claimed that he sought assistance from the Vice President in connection with his case and that she allegedly visited him at Camp Bagong Diwa—an account Duterte has categorically denied.
Former Office of the Vice President spokesperson Reynold Munsayac and retired police official Raymund Lachica have also rejected Madriaga’s statements, saying they do not know him and never had any dealings with him.
Madriaga’s camp has since sought a probe by Jesus Crispin Remulla, following calls from House Committee on Human Rights chairperson Benny Abante for both the Ombudsman and House panels to look into the allegations./PN
