Sara Duterte neither confirms nor denies alleged visit to Teves

Vice President Sara Duterte has neither confirmed nor denied Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla’s claim that she visited former Negros Oriental representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. at a detention facility in Taguig City, saying only that she does not know her alleged bagman, Ramil Madriaga.

Teves, the alleged mastermind in the killing of former Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, is currently detained at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.

“It's up to them what they want to say. As for me, what I said is that I don't know Ramil Madriaga,” Duterte said in an ambush interview in Davao City on Thursday, 25 December.

On Tuesday, 23 December, Remulla claimed that the Vice President went to Camp Bagong Diwa to visit the former lawmaker.

“What I'm saying is I won't confirm or deny anything. If they want to speak, they can speak. What I'm saying is that I don't know Ramil Madriana,” Duterte said.

In an earlier statement, Duterte denied allegations made by Madriaga, who claims to be her former aide and has accused her of receiving money from illegal drugs and Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

Duterte said she has no personal relationship with Madriaga and has never given him any instructions.

“I do not have a personal relationship with Ramil Madriaga, nor have I ever given him instructions of any kind,” she said.

She also denied claims that she visited Madriaga at Camp Bagong Diwa, where he is detained.

“I have never visited him in prison, nor have I spoken to him about anything at any time,” Duterte said.

The Vice President dismissed as misleading the photographs submitted by Madriaga showing him with her, saying these were taken during public events and do not establish any personal or professional link.

“These images do not support his allegations and merely show that he was present as part of an election campaign group,” she said.

Duterte also stressed that Madriaga has failed to present evidence to substantiate his accusations.

“Mr. Madriaga has offered no proof — no documents, no corroboration — only accusations. Bare allegations, no matter how loudly repeated, amount to nothing more than noise,” she added.