MANILA — Ramil Madriaga claimed that his decision to testify against Sara Duterte stemmed from a personal falling-out involving Harry Roque, whom he accused of filing a kidnapping case against him.
FROM LOYAL SUPPORTER TO KEY WITNESS
In a sworn affidavit submitted to the House Committee on Justice, Madriaga described himself as a former loyal supporter of both Vice President Duterte and her father, Rodrigo Duterte.
He said he had previously taken significant risks to support the Duterte family, but eventually felt “betrayed” when the Vice President allegedly failed to intervene in his dispute with Roque.
ALLEGED ‘BETRAYAL’ AND LEGAL TROUBLE
Madriaga is currently detained under the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology due to a kidnapping case, which he claims was filed by Roque in retaliation.
According to his testimony, the conflict began after he tried to assist farmers in Bataan who were allegedly affected by land-grabbing activities. He claimed that when he brought the issue to Duterte, she declined to take action or meet with the farmers.
Madriaga alleged that his efforts to expose these activities led to the filing of charges against him.
CLAIMS OF LAND DISPUTE AND POGO LINKS
In his affidavit, Madriaga accused Roque of being linked to land transactions in Mariveles, Bataan, involving a private firm, and claimed these were connected to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
He alleged that the land was intended to be converted into a POGO hub, an industry that has been under scrutiny for alleged links to crimes such as money laundering and human trafficking.
Roque has not publicly responded to these specific allegations in the context of Madriaga’s testimony.
CONTEXT: ROQUE UNDER SCRUTINY
Roque, who previously served as spokesperson under the Duterte administration, left the country in 2024 amid a congressional probe into his alleged ties to POGO operations.
Investigations into POGOs have intensified in recent years due to their reported links to various criminal activities, raising broader national security and law enforcement concerns.
BACKGROUND: IMPEACHMENT CASE ONGOING
Madriaga’s testimony forms part of the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Vice President Duterte, where lawmakers are determining whether there is probable cause to advance the case.
Duterte has denied all allegations and earlier dismissed Madriaga’s claims as fabricated.