Vice President Sara Duterte issued a public statement on Monday disputing allegations made by Ramil Madriaga, who has identified himself in recent accounts as a former employee connected to her political activities.
The statement was released amid renewed attention on Madriaga’s assertions that illegal funds were involved in supporting Inday Sara Duterte Is My President (ISIP) Pilipinas, a volunteer group that emerged during the 2022 election period. Madriaga has claimed that drug syndicates and Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators were among the sources of financial backing for the group.
Duterte categorically denied any personal or professional connection with Madriaga, saying she neither directed him nor maintained any form of communication with him at any point. “I do not have a personal relationship with Ramil Madriaga, nor have I ever given him instructions of any kind. I have never visited him in prison, nor have I spoken to him about anything at any time,” she said.
Addressing materials submitted by Madriaga to support his claims, Duterte said the photographs he presented were taken during public gatherings where numerous individuals were present. According to her, these images do not establish a working relationship and merely show that Madriaga attended campaign-related events alongside other participants.
The Vice President also questioned the credibility of the allegations, stating that Madriaga has not produced documents or independent confirmation to substantiate his accusations. She further noted that the claims surfaced while Madriaga is facing criminal cases, a context she said should be considered in evaluating his statements.
In the same statement, Duterte said she views the accusations as part of an effort to interfere with her possible future bid for higher office, asserting that the allegations are being circulated to weaken her political standing rather than to present verifiable evidence.
