VP Sara's Counsel Claims Madriaga's Supplemental Affidavit Undermines Credibility in Impeachment Case
In a recent development, the legal counsel for Vice President Sara Duterte has asserted that the supplemental affidavit submitted by witness Ramil Madriaga has significantly weakened his credibility rather than strengthening the impeachment case. Atty. Salvador Paolo Panelo Jr., representing the Vice President, issued this statement following Madriaga's testimony during the impeachment hearing held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
Weakest Link in the Case
According to Atty. Panelo, their initial assessment has been confirmed, labeling Madriaga as the "weakest link" in the impeachment proceedings. He emphasized that Madriaga failed to address the clear and robust evidence presented by Vice President Duterte in the perjury case. The counsel argued that this failure highlights inconsistencies in Madriaga's testimony, casting doubt on his reliability as a witness.
Irrelevant and Unverified Evidence
Atty. Panelo further criticized the evidence presented by Madriaga, describing it as irrelevant and insignificant to the case. He noted that many of the issues raised had already been debunked in previous proceedings. Specifically, the allegations regarding the delivery of money and orders through prepaid phones were deemed unverifiable, lacking concrete proof to support the claims.
Questioning Trust in a Civilian
The Vice President's camp also raised questions about why former President Rodrigo Duterte and VP Sara would entrust sensitive security and intelligence matters to a civilian outside military or police ranks. This point was used to challenge the plausibility of Madriaga's allegations, suggesting that such actions would be highly unusual given the nature of the issues involved.
Background on Madriaga
In a striking revelation, Madriaga was identified as the alleged leader of the "Madriaga Kidnapping for Ransom Group," which the Philippine National Police has described as one of the most dangerous syndicates in recent years. This background adds a layer of complexity to his testimony, potentially influencing public perception of his motives and credibility.
Confidence in Public Perception
Concluding the statement, Atty. Panelo expressed confidence that the majority of Filipinos would see through the allegations and recognize the truth. He affirmed that the Vice President's team is prepared to refute any further claims, maintaining a steadfast defense against what they describe as baseless accusations.
The impeachment hearing continues to unfold, with both sides presenting their arguments in a highly charged political environment. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the political landscape in the Philippines.
