Vice President Sara Duterte has taken legal action by filing a perjury case against Ramil Madriaga on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. The case stems from Madriaga's allegations that Duterte's 2022 election campaign was financed by Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogos) and financiers connected to illegal drug activities.
Duterte's Strong Denial of Accusations
In an official statement, Vice President Duterte vehemently denied all claims made by Madriaga, who presented himself as a former aide and "bagman" for the Vice President. Duterte described Madriaga as an accused kidnapper who pretended to be a campaign supporter before suddenly emerging as an impeachment witness against her.
"Because of this, today I filed a perjury case against Ramil Madriaga to finally hold him accountable for his lies," Duterte declared. "We cannot allow fabricated stories to be used to deceive the public," she added, emphasizing her commitment to legal accountability.
The Background of Madriaga's Allegations
The controversy dates back to December 2025 when Madriaga submitted a notarized affidavit containing his detailed accusations. In this document, Madriaga claimed to have worked in various government units and helped organize the Inday Sara Duterte Is My President (Isip) Pilipinas group.
Madriaga asserted that he provided campaign funds and worked "behind the scenes" based on what he described as direct instructions from Vice President Duterte. These claims formed the basis of his allegations about improper campaign financing sources.
Duterte's Complete Rejection of Any Relationship
In previous statements, Vice President Duterte has categorically denied having any personal or professional relationship with Madriaga. She stated unequivocally that she never gave him any instructions, visited him, or spoke with him while he was incarcerated.
Duterte characterized Madriaga's allegations as "baseless, mere noise, and lacking solid evidence." She maintained that the accusations were nothing more than unfounded fabrications designed to damage her reputation and mislead the public.
Madriaga's Current Legal Status
Ramil Madriaga has been imprisoned since 2023 due to ongoing kidnapping charges. His incarceration predates the current controversy, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. The perjury case filed by Vice President Duterte represents a significant escalation in the legal battle between the two parties.
The development highlights the ongoing political tensions in the Philippines and raises questions about campaign financing transparency. Legal experts anticipate that this case could have substantial implications for political accountability and the verification processes for campaign funding allegations in future elections.
