Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla clarified on Tuesday that Vice President Sara Duterte visited former lawmaker Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City, and did not meet with her alleged bagman, Ramil Madriaga.
Remulla said the warden present during the visit documented that the meeting involved only casual greetings.
“May records ‘yung warden. The warden who’s there present during the meeting, wala naman daw pinag-usapan masyado kundi nagkamustahan. So that was the extent of the report to me,” he added.
The clarification comes after Madriaga’s lawyer, Raymund Palad, claimed Duterte had visited Madriaga twice at the BJMP Annex 2 allegedly to discuss pending kidnapping charges.
In a notarized affidavit submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman, Madriaga also alleged that he made large cash deliveries on Duterte’s behalf and claimed her 2022 presidential campaign was funded by Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) and drug syndicates.
Remulla stressed that the courts are the proper venue to determine the credibility of Madriaga’s claims.
“I think it’s up to the appreciation of the competent courts to discern whether or not there is merit in the affidavit of Madriaga. As for me, I cannot give an opinion on that matter. I’m not a competent authority to discern that,” he said.
He also noted that Duterte can be assured the allegations will undergo thorough examination.
In a statement, the vice president denied any personal ties with Madriaga or giving him instructions.
She also rejected the photos submitted by Madriaga, saying they were unrelated images taken during public events.
“These images do not support his allegations and merely show that he was present as part of an election campaign group,” Duterte said.
She added that Madriaga has offered no proof, no documents, and no corroboration.
“Only accusations. Bare allegations, no matter how loudly repeated, amount to nothing more than noise,” Duterte said.
