The camp of Vice President Sara Duterte has dismissed as “ridiculous” allegations that a witness in the impeachment case against her was offered up to P1 billion to remain silent.
In a statement, Duterte’s lawyer, Atty. Paolo Panelo, said the claim was unfounded and insisted the vice president’s camp actually wants the witness to testify.
Panelo said allowing Ramil Madriaga to take the stand would give them the opportunity to cross-examine what he described as Madriaga’s alleged “lies.”
He also stressed that Duterte has no involvement in any reported threats against Madriaga and that their camp supports calls for additional protection for the witness.
Panelo added that they want Madriaga alive because he could allegedly prove that the accusations against the vice president are fabricated.
The allegations of bribery came from Madriaga, who claimed he was offered between P500 million and P1 billion in exchange for not testifying in the impeachment case.
In an interview with Brigada News FM Manila, Madriaga’s lawyer, Atty. Raymund Palad, said the alleged bribery attempt was relayed through a contact linked to some fraternity associates of a detainee.
Palad explained that the offer did not require Madriaga to recant or change his testimony. Instead, the condition was simply for him not to testify during the impeachment proceedings.
Authorities have yet to determine whether the alleged offer came directly from a fraternity associate or from individuals connected to the group ISIP Pilipinas, short for “Inday Sara Is My President.”
Madriaga rejected the alleged offer and remains committed to giving his testimony, according to his lawyer.
Meanwhile, security measures around Madriaga have been tightened after he reportedly received threats while in detention.
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) have added control gates and stricter monitoring to ensure his safety.
Madriaga’s legal team is also studying the possibility of requesting a transfer to another detention facility to further protect him and preserve the integrity of his testimony.
