A city prosecutor has recommended the dismissal of a perjury complaint filed by Vice President Sara Duterte against self-proclaimed former bagman Ramil Madriaga, ruling that evidence failed to prove he deliberately lied under oath.

In a resolution dated 2 September, Assistant City Prosecutor Duke Thaddeus Maog said the evidence presented by Duterte was insufficient to establish prima facie proof with a reasonable certainty of conviction under Article 183 of the Revised Penal Code.

While the complainant presented evidence disputing the respondent’s assertions, the evidence on record does not establish with reasonable certainty that the respondent knowingly made false statements under oath, the resolution stated.

The prosecutor added that because deliberate falsity forms the essence of perjury, prosecutors must ensure the criminal process is not used as a substitute for resolving factual controversies.

Madriaga, who claims to be a former intelligence operative and campaign aide to Duterte, previously alleged that drug dealers and offshore gaming operators funded the campaign group Inday Sara Duterte is My President.

His November 2025 affidavit was later cited in impeachment complaints filed against the Vice President.

Duterte filed her first perjury complaint with the Taguig City Prosecutor’s Office on 4 March, accusing Madriaga of lying about illicit campaign funding and cash deliveries.

She filed a second perjury complaint on 17 August regarding statements in Madriaga’s supplemental affidavit from 11 April.