The House justice committee will question self-proclaimed bagman Ramil Madriaga's credibility on April 14 in clarificatory hearings to assess probable cause for impeaching Vice President Sara Duterte, following earlier calls for his testimony on confidential funds misuse.
MANILA, Philippines — Building on prior anticipation of his role, the House justice committee will test the credibility of self-proclaimed bagman Ramil Madriaga during April 14 clarificatory hearings to determine probable cause in impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.
A Manila court approved the request for Madriaga's attendance. Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon, who previously highlighted Madriaga's potential to clarify bogus names in confidential funds like 'Mary Grace Piattos,' said Madriaga is expected to present his original November 2025 affidavit and supporting evidence. "All subpoenaed personalities, documents, and evidence will be presented, including Madriaga, who confessed to being the VP’s bagman," Ridon stated.
Madriaga alleged he delivered cash from drug lords and Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) for Duterte’s 2022 vice presidential campaign, and handled confidential funds from her office and the Department of Education.
The hearings relate to impeachment complaints endorsed by lawmakers, aiming to decide if they advance to the House plenary and possibly the Senate.
Duterte's counsel in a related perjury case, lawyer Paolo Panelo, dubbed Madriaga the 'weakest link' but said they won't block his testimony.
