Sara cash scandal? Army colonel calls it baseless

A senior Philippine Army officer has “categorically” denied knowing or having any dealings with a man who recently surfaced with sweeping allegations linking Vice President Sara Duterte and her circle to alleged cash deliveries funded by drug groups and Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).

In a statement, Col. Raymund Dante Lachica rejected the allegations made by Ramil Lagonoy Madriaga, a self-proclaimed “bagman” who has accused the Vice President’s camp of receiving covert funds across two administrations.

“I categorically state that I do not know Mr. Madriaga and had no personal or professional dealings with him at any time,” Lachica said.

“Any assertion suggesting that I was associated with, recommended by, or worked with him is false and devoid of factual basis,” he added.

Madriaga, in a notarized affidavit dated 29 November 2025, said that he witnessed the funnelling of money from POGO operators and drug-linked financiers to groups “supporting Duterte’s political rise.”

Among these groups, he said, was ISIP (Inday Sara Is my President) Pilipinas, a campaign vehicle he said he formed in 2020 ahead of Duterte’s anticipated presidential run.

He also alleged that duffel bags containing between P33 million and P35 million each were delivered to multiple locations, including The Gate in Pampanga, Vertis North and Seda Hotel in Quezon City, and the Grand Hyatt in Bonifacio Global City.

Madriaga also alleged that in December 2022, he received instructions from two officers of the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group (VPSPG), identified as Lachica and Col. Dennis Nolasco, to distribute the bags of cash.

The affidavit did not present documentary evidence supporting these claims, and none has been independently verified.

Lachica, however, slammed the narrative as baseless and stressed that AFP assignments, “particularly to security units serving national officials,” follow strict vetting and are insulated from outside influence.

“Assignments within the Armed Forces of the Philippines are governed by established procedures, formal vetting, and command authority. These processes cannot be influenced by private individuals,” he said.

“As a career officer of the Philippine Army, I have always carried out my duties in accordance with lawful orders, established protocols, and the core values of the AFP. I take exception to the use of my name in narratives that lack verification or institutional grounding,” Lachica said.

“I remain ready to provide clarification to any competent authority as required,” he added.