Former Duterte Aide Alleges Plot to Oust Marcos Jr. in Explosive Impeachment Testimony
In a dramatic development during the resumed impeachment hearings against Vice President Sara Duterte, former aide Ramil Madriaga has submitted a supplemental affidavit containing explosive allegations. Madriaga, who claims to have served as Sara Duterte's former aide and "bagman," outlined what he described as a "term-sharing" arrangement between the Dutertes and Marcoses, followed by destabilization efforts tied to the 2022 national elections.
Alleged Term-Sharing Agreement and Political Maneuvering
According to Madriaga's testimony submitted to the House Committee on Justice on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, a meeting occurred in mid-2021 between President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., Senator Imee Marcos, and former President Rodrigo Duterte. During this meeting, they allegedly discussed a potential alliance for the 2022 national elections. Madriaga claims that Marcos secured Duterte's support for a tandem with his daughter Sara, with a crucial condition: Marcos would step down from Malacañang in 2025 to pave the way for Sara's presidency.
Madriaga further asserted that shortly after Sara Duterte assumed office as vice president, discussions began about ensuring Marcos would serve less than four years. This move would preserve Sara's eligibility to run for president in 2028. These discussions reportedly involved retired generals of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Detailed Destabilization Plans and Serious Allegations
The former aide provided chilling details about the alleged plans. "I remember that one of the plans considered was to sabotage BBM's administration by using some of BBM's own men to reveal supposed corruption issues that will serve as a precursor for an impeachment complaint," Madriaga stated in his affidavit.
Even more serious allegations involve discussions of "extraordinary measures" should Marcos Jr. refuse to step down voluntarily. These measures reportedly included:
- Mass resignation of government officials
- Civil disobedience campaigns
- Armed actions targeting Malacañang Palace
- Assassination plots against key officials to incite unrest
"It was also considered by PRRD to arrange assassinations or armed hits of several government officials in order to cause massive civil unrest. The resulting civil unrest will be used as a basis to organize a group of military officers to stage a coup," Madriaga added.
Madriaga's Background and Previous Operations
Madriaga revealed details about his own background and previous operations. He said he was introduced to former President Rodrigo Duterte in 2016 by former congressman Roilo Golez, for whom he worked as a political officer specializing in intelligence gathering and sabotage operations.
When Duterte was elected president, Madriaga claims he was appointed as a counter-intelligence agent with a salary ranging from P100,000 to P150,000, handed to him by a former police officer in Davao City.
"As part of my duties, PRRD specifically instructed me to monitor, operate, and sabotage former senator Sonny Trillanes. However, PRRD was apprehensive in ordering the assassination of Senator Trillanes because of the latter's support and contacts in the Armed Forces of the Philippines," said Madriaga.
Connection to Sara Duterte and Campaign Support
Madriaga detailed his connection to Vice President Sara Duterte, stating that in 2018, former President Duterte introduced him to his daughter and asked for his assistance in the upcoming local polls.
"Since then, I have frequently met and discussed with Sara regarding various matters. However, she gave me strict instructions that all conversations should be done, as much as possible, by call, and minimize text messages," Madriaga testified.
He added that former President Duterte asked him to profile individuals associated with Sara because "she is his favorite among his children." According to Madriaga, Duterte wanted Sara in politics instead of Paolo Duterte and Sebastian Duterte, whom he characterized as 'baliw' and 'bading,' respectively.
Madriaga claimed that former President Duterte even gave him P25 million to buy Sara high-end motorcycles for use in Metro Manila, as well as ordinary motorcycles for those who would take part in her 2022 campaign. He also said he helped establish and register a non-profit organization called Initiative for Social Justice, Innovation and Progress or Isip Pilipinas Inc. to support Sara's candidacy.
Broader Recruitment Efforts for Destabilization
According to his testimony, Madriaga was tasked with recruiting various groups to support broader destabilization efforts. These groups reportedly included civil organizations, school clubs, fraternities, and even criminal syndicates.
The allegations come at a critical time as the House Committee on Justice continues its impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte. Madriaga's detailed affidavit adds significant weight to the ongoing investigation and raises serious questions about political stability in the Philippines.
