VP Duterte dismisses ties to self-confessed bagman

VICE-PRESIDENT (VP) Sara Duterte-Carpio has denied any ties to self-confessed bagman Ramil L. Madriaga, who claimed to have handled her campaign funds allegedly sourced from drug dealers and Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).

“I do not have a personal relationship with Ramil L. Madriaga, nor have I ever given him instructions of any kind,” she said in a statement on Monday. “I have never visited him in prison, nor have I spoken to him about anything at any time.”

In an affidavit filed before the Office of the Ombudsman, Mr. Madriaga recounted his introduction to Ms. Duterte in 2018 by then-President Rodrigo R. Duterte, whom he served as political and security adviser.

He said he was tasked to form the Inday Sara Duterte Is My President in 2020 to support her candidacy, and later the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group to provide security and intelligence work.

During this time, he claimed to receive instructions to deliver millions worth of funds to her supposed campaign financiers.

His legal counsel also claimed that the Vice-President made two visits in his detention cell at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City. Mr. Madriaga is currently facing kidnapping charges.

The lawyer added that these visits were meant to prevent Mr. Madriaga from exposing the Vice-President’s illicit activities.

“Mr. Madriaga has offered no proof — no documents, no corroboration — only accusations. Bare allegations, no matter how loudly repeated, amount to nothing more than noise,” Ms. Duterte said.

She also argued the photographs submitted by Mr. Madriaga were unrelated images taken during public events where Ms. Duterte was present.

“The photographs he submitted are unrelated images taken during public events where I was present,” she said.

She also dismissed Mr. Mardriaga’s claims as intended to undermine her presidential bid in 2028.

“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.

Vice-President Duterte has been seen as a leading contender in the 2028 presidential elections, amid a mounting political feud with the Marcos administration.

She added that Mr. Madriaga, who is facing serious criminal charges and has a prior criminal record, was acting in desperation to secure his release from prison. — Adrian H. Halili