Sara: Madriaga’s testimony all lies

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April 16, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte yesterday dismissed as “all lies” the testimony of alleged bagman Ramil Madriaga, as the controversy surrounding her impeachment proceedings deepened.

Speaking after the House committee on justice hearing, Duterte rejected Madriaga’s allegations, including his claim that P125 million in confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) was spent in less than 24 hours.

“This mini-trial in the committee on justice is true to form for some of its members: abuse and corruption appear to be the only things they are capable of. Let us remember that the first impeachment case itself was marred by allegations of bribery involving members of the  House of Representatives and this second impeachment is no better,” Duterte said.

Madriaga, who submitted a supplemental affidavit, alleged that the funds were moved through a series of coordinated cash transactions involving multiple locations and recipients.

The Vice President also disputed claims about her academic background, denying Madriaga’s story that she struggled in law school and received special treatment.

She said she passed the Bar examination with a score of 80 with no one’s help. Of all the “lies” peddled by Madriaga, she said this was the one “I take issue with.”

In another development, Palace press officer Claire Castro yesterday denied that President Marcos had forged a power-sharing deal with the Duterte camp, saying the Chief Executive intends to serve until the end of his term.

Castro also parried criticisms by the Vice President and her allies, accusing them of peddling false information and lacking knowledge of the government’s initiatives.

Marcos’ elder sister, Sen. Imee Marcos, also accused Madriaga of peddling lies. –  Alexis Romero, Neil Jayson Servallos