1 month ago
21
Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!
Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.
Visit Suniway.ph to learn
Cristina Chi - Philstar.com
December 22, 2025 | 11:31am
Vice President Sara Duterte attends the House Committee on Appropriations' deliberation on the Office of the Vice President's (OVP's) proposed 2026 budget on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025.
The Philippine STAR / Michael Varcas
MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte has denied allegations made by a detained inmate who has linked her to alleged campaign fund irregularities, calling his claims baseless and speculating that they were made to "obstruct and undermine" her possible campaign for the presidency in 2028.
In a statement posted on her Facebook page on Monday, December 22, Duterte said she has no ties with Madriaga, who earlier claimed to be her former aide.
"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," Duterte said.
She also said Madriaga appears to be acting out of “desperation to secure his release from detention” and is attempting to “obstruct and undermine my possible candidacy for President.”
Madriaga is currently detained at a Bureau of Jail Management and Penology facility in Taguig City, facing kidnapping charges. In sworn statements submitted to authorities, he has claimed he was once part of Duterte’s security detail and vice presidential campaign during the 2022 elections — assertions Duterte has categorically denied.
In his affidavit, Madriaga claims that Duterte's campaign in 2022 was bankrolled by alleged drug dealers and Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). He claims to have personally handled the delivery of large sums to Duterte's supposed campaign financiers.
Madriaga recently asked the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct forensic examinations of his cell phones to preserve data he says could support his claims.
Besides these allegations, Madriaga's camp has also accused Duterte of personally trying to stop him from testifying against her.
Madriaga's lawyer Raymund Palad said at a press conference last week that Duterte visited Madriaga twice this year at his detention facility in Taguig.
