Madriaga submits affidavit vs VP Sara Duterte to Ombudsman

Ramil Madriaga, a former aide and 'bagman" of Vice President Sara Duterte, submitted a sworn affidavit to the Office of the Ombudsman, which the agency received on Tuesday, 16 December 2025.

Madriaga has accused the Vice President and members of her inner circle of receiving funds from Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) through alleged covert cash deliveries over several years.

In a letter accompanying the affidavit, Madriaga’s legal counsel requested the Ombudsman to take appropriate action on the notarized document, which has circulated on social media and been reported by news outlets.

“We write in our capacity as counsel for Mr. Ramil L. Madriaga (“Affiant”), who respectfully seeks the attention of the Honorable Ombudsman regarding matters set forth in his notarized affidavit, which we transmit and refer for appropriate action, evaluation, and such proceedings as may be warranted under applicable laws, rules, and regulations,” the letter stated.

Attorney Raymund Palad, Madriaga’s lawyer, said the affidavit was submitted to trigger a formal investigation into his client’s allegations. He added that Madriaga’s three mobile phones, currently in court custody due to a separate kidnapping case, contain records relevant to the claims.

“If you could just get my phone, all the registered numbers are there—of the people I talk to, the numbers of those who text me, and the instances when I take pictures of my transactions or errands—you will see everything there,” Palad quoted Madriaga as saying.

In a notarized affidavit dated 29 November 2025, Madriaga claimed he became connected to the Duterte family after being introduced to provide political and security advice when Rodrigo Duterte was still mayor.

He alleged that funds from POGO operators and individuals linked to illegal drugs were funneled to groups supporting Duterte’s political rise. Madriaga also claimed he personally distributed large amounts of cash and alleged that the “Inday Sara Duterte Is My President (ISIP)” movement was funded by POGO operators and drug-linked financiers.

"I was able to identify several of these individuals during my frequent pickups of cash-filled bags at locations such as The Gate in Pampanga, Vertis North Mall and Seda Hotel in Quezon City, and the Grand Hyatt in BGC,” Madriaga stated in the notarized affidavit.

Palad said the Ombudsman has the authority to subpoena the phones for forensic examination as part of the investigation.

House Deputy Minority Leader and Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima said the allegations warrant scrutiny by the Ombudsman.

“What I also want to say here is that since these allegations are serious, then it is worth looking into, for example, by the Office of the Ombudsman,” De Lima said.

Palad said his client intends to make public what he knows despite possible consequences.

“He knows the consequences and expects backlash, but his decision is firm,” Palad said, adding that Madriaga believes pressure intensified after former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque filed a kidnapping case against him.

“So he said, ‘I will also reveal what I know against VP Sara, her friends, and also against Atty. Harry Roque,’” Palad added.

Madriaga is currently detained at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig, in connection with the kidnapping case. De Lima urged the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to ensure his safety in light of the allegations.