The Office of the Ombudsman on Tuesday received a sworn affidavit from Ramil Madriaga, who claims to be a former “bagman” for Vice President Sara Duterte and her close associates.
Madriaga has alleged that the Vice President and her circle were involved in receiving cash deliveries covertly linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) and drug-linked financiers over several years.
In the transmittal letter, Madriaga’s counsel disclosed that they hope the Ombudsman will take appropriate action on the notarized document.
“We write in our capacity as counsel for Mr. Ramil L. Madriaga... who respectfully seeks the attention of the Honorable [Office] of the 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 affidavit read.
Attorney Raymund Palad, Madriaga’s lawyer, said the purpose of submitting the affidavit is to validate the allegations and initiate the necessary investigation.
Palad specifically hopes the Ombudsman will issue a subpoena to retrieve crucial data from three mobile phones belonging to Madriaga, which are currently held by the court in connection with a separate kidnapping case filed against him.
“He (Madriaga) said, ‘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 him, and the instances when he takes pictures of his transactions/errands — you will see that there,’” Palad said.
In the notarized affidavit dated 29 November 2025, Madriaga claimed he became connected to Duterte’s circle after being introduced to provide political and security advice when Rodrigo Duterte was still a mayor.
He also alleged that he witnessed how funds from POGO and drug-linked financiers were funneled to groups supporting Duterte’s political rise, adding that he allegedly distributed large amounts of cash and claimed that the funding for the “Inday Sara Duterte is My President (ISIP)” campaign was financed by POGO operators and drug dealers.
“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 affidavit.
Madriaga is currently detained at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig, on a kidnapping charge. Palad said his client wants those involved to be held accountable, despite expecting a backlash.