Probe allegations vs VP Sara, ombudsman urged

MANILA, Philippines — The alleged bagman of Vice President Sara Duterte has asked Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla to investigate the corruption allegations he made against Duterte.

Ramil Madriaga, who claimed to be a former aide of Duterte, had alleged that Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) and drug lords bankrolled Duterte’s campaign in May 2022.

Madriaga’s lawyer Mark Anthony Te submitted yesterday the former’s sworn affidavit to the Office of the Ombudsman.

Madriaga executed the affidavit on Nov. 29. It was notarized by lawyer Cynthia Vinas-Pantonal, according to Te.

According to Madriaga, Duterte’s campaign when she ran for vice president was backed by POGOs and drug dealers.

He claimed that Duterte and her security aides had ordered him to deliver millions of pesos in cash in duffle bags.

Madriaga alleged that in 2019, Duterte directed him to form ISIP or the Inday Sara Duterte is my President movement.

According to him, ISIP was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and served as a nationwide support network for Duterte’s original bid for the presidency in 2022.

One of the sections in his affidavit was titled “confidential funds.”

It detailed the alleged instances when he allegedly delivered billions of pesos in cash to various people.

Madriaga was purportedly an intelligence officer of the Duterte administration.

Palace mum on Sara’s alleged POGO ties

President Marcos is not aware of the funding for the 2022 campaign of Duterte that allegedly came from drug dealers and POGO operators, Malacañang said yesterday.

Certain quarters have pointed out that Duterte was Marcos’ running mate in 2022 under the UniTeam, and campaign contributions to her could taint the President himself.

Asked whether Marcos heard about Madriaga’s allegations, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro replied, “The President has no personal knowledge about the possible transactions of the Vice President with POGO operators or with drug lords.”

“He cannot say anything about that,” Castro added.

She said all allegations of wrongdoing by government officials should be probed.

“Any evidence against any public official accused of involvement in anomalies or stealing public funds should be investigated,” Castro said. “But it should not be used for politicking. Those who should be held to account should be held to account.”

Although critics of Duterte are convinced that the fresh allegations against her could serve as a basis for another impeachment complaint, Castro said the matter is not yet an issue to Marcos.

Ensure Madriaga’s safety, BJMP urged

House Deputy Minority leader and Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima yesterday called on the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to ensure the safety of Madriaga, who is being held at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig for a separate offense.

“Madriaga’s security is a concern that we have to scrutinize. We have to look into those allegations,” De Lima said.

Madriaga claimed that he had received death threats while in jail.

De Lima urged Remulla to check the veracity of Madriaga’s allegations against the Vice President.

The Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives urged the committee on good government and public accountability to investigate the “explosive” sworn statement of Madriaga.

In a joint statement, Representatives Antonio Tinio of Act Teachers party-list, Sarah Jane Elago of Gabriela party-list and Renee Louise Co of Kabataan party-list said Madriaga’s statement is important as it revealed details about the Oplan Double Barrel project and Duterte’s alleged misuse of confidential funds. — Alexis Romero, Delon Porcalla, Jose Rodel Clapano