Witness Details Giant Duffle Bag Allegedly Holding P35-M Confidential Funds
During a House Justice Committee hearing, witness Ramil Madriaga provided a detailed description of a large dark duffle bag that was allegedly used to transport approximately P35 million in confidential funds. The funds were reportedly linked to Vice President Sara Duterte, adding a new layer to the ongoing investigation into the matter.
Discrepancies in Affidavits Questioned
Manila 3rd District Representative Joel Chua raised concerns about inconsistencies in Madriaga's sworn statements. In his initial affidavit, Madriaga referred to the item as a "duffle bag," while in a supplemental affidavit, he described it as "large dark bags." This discrepancy prompted further scrutiny from lawmakers during the hearing.
Madriaga clarified that the correct term was a "very large dark duffle bag," emphasizing its size and appearance. He confirmed that the bag did not have wheels and was notably wider and thicker than examples shown on screen by the committee.
Size Comparison and Additional Details
When presented with sample bags for comparison, Madriaga insisted that the original bag he handled was three to four times larger. This detail underscores the significant volume of the alleged funds involved.
This testimony builds on Madriaga's previous explosive claims, where he implicated Vice President Duterte in directly ordering the delivery of funds to the Office of the Ombudsman, a location in Laguna, and a site referred to as Nomu Bashu.
The House Justice Committee continues its investigation, with lawmakers focusing on verifying the authenticity of these allegations and the logistics of the fund transfer. The hearing aims to uncover the truth behind the use of confidential funds and ensure accountability in government operations.
