The serious allegations contained in a sworn affidavit of Ramil Lagunoy Madriaga, who claimed that Vice President Sara Duterte’s election campaign effort in 2022 was funded with money from Philippine Offshore and Gaming Operators (POGO) and drug dealers, must be the main concern to move the new whistleblower into a safer place.
This was the suggestion made by Presidential Adviser on Poverty Alleviation Secretary Larry Gadon as he recalled the threats made by Vice President Inday Sara Duterte that she ordered President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and the former House Speaker Martin Romualdez be killed.
"Nanawagan ako sa ating mga otoridad na ilipat ng detention si Madriaga. Because of the propensity of Sara Duterte to order killings. Eh kun si Presidente Marcos, Liza at si Martin nga ay inorderan niya na patayin, what more pa itong si Madriaga na nakakulong. Kaya dapat ay ilipat yan at bantayan nang husto. Pati sa pagkain at baka siya ay lasunin at baka rin siya patayin diyan sa riot diyan sa BJMP (Bureau of Jail Management and Penology). Kaya dapat ilipat iyan sa lalong madaling panahon," Gadon said in a video statement he sent to the Daily Tribune.
"Alam niyo naman na binabanggit niya sa (kanyang) affidavit na mahilig magsalita ng ipapatay ko yan (si Sara Duterte), kaya dapat yan (si Madriaga) ay pangalagaan," he added.
The gravity of Madriaga's allegations, according to Gadon, must also be investigated thoroughly because accepting campaign contributions from POGOs and drug dealers is not just illegal but has implications on national security since POGOs are connected to China.
On the other hand, Gadon's statement prompted Manila 6th district Rep. Bienvenido "Benny" Abante Jr. to call the attention of relevant committees of the House of Representatives to investigate Madriaga's revelations.
“Madriaga gave very detailed accounts. We need to investigate this thoroughly if there is any truth to any of his claims,” Abante said. Abante, chairman of the House Committee on Human Rights, also said the Ombudsman is well-positioned to undertake a parallel fact-finding, given its mandate over alleged misuse of public office and possible corruption.