VP Sara visits BJMP for Teves, not Madriaga — Remulla

Vice President Sara Duterte visited the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) facility at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City on 19 October, according to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla. 

In a press briefing, Remulla clarified that Duterte’s visit was directed toward dismissed Negros Oriental Representative Arnie Teves, not Ramil Madriaga, her alleged former aide and bagman.

The clarification came amid claims from Madriaga’s lawyer, Raymund Palad, who said Duterte allegedly visited his client twice to prevent him from revealing her supposed dealings. 

Madriaga, who previously served as Duterte’s aide when she was Davao City mayor, has submitted an affidavit to the Office of the Ombudsman alleging that he delivered large sums of money to various individuals on her orders.

Duterte has denied these claims, calling them politically motivated attempts to damage her potential 2028 presidential bid.

“She went there but she talked to Arnie Teves, not to Madriaga,” Remulla said. 

The interior chief added that Duterte’s meeting with Teves was brief and largely ceremonial. CCTV footage reportedly captured the visit, and a warden was present throughout.

“I think so. May records yung warden na pinakita. The warden was there, present during the meeting,” Remulla said, adding that the exchange was limited to general greetings and inquiries about Teves’ well-being.

“That was the extent of the report to me,” he added. 

Teves is facing accusations of masterminding the assassination of former Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo in March 2023, a tragedy that also claimed the lives of eight provincial staff and constituents. He fled the country afterward and sought asylum in East Timor, which its president denied, ordering his return in May.

Duterte’s visit to Teves has fueled speculation about the political dynamics surrounding both figures, but officials maintain the interaction was strictly a courtesy call with no substantive discussions.