Vice President Sara Duterte on Dec. 22 issued a statement denying allegations made by Ramil Madriaga, saying she has no personal or professional relationship with him.
Duterte said she has never given Madriaga instructions of any kind and has never visited or communicated with him while he is in prison. She emphasized that there has been no contact between them at any time.
Addressing photographs submitted by Madriaga, Duterte said the images were taken during public events where she was present and do not support his claims. She said the photos only show Madriaga’s presence as part of an election campaign group and are unrelated to the allegations being made.
Duterte said Madriaga failed to present any evidence to support his accusations. She stated that no documents or corroborating proof were provided, describing the claims as mere allegations without factual basis.
In her statement, Duterte said Madriaga is currently facing serious criminal charges and has a prior criminal record. She added that his actions appear motivated by a desire to secure his release from detention.
Duterte also accused Madriaga of spreading false statements to government authorities, saying the allegations are part of an effort to obstruct and undermine her possible candidacy for president.
The vice president reiterated that the accusations are false and unsupported, stressing that repeated claims without evidence do not establish credibility.
The statement was issued under Duterte’s name and dated Dec. 22, 2025.
