Probe allegations vs VP Sara, ombudsman urged

The alleged bagman of Vice President Sara Duterte has asked Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla to investigate the corruption allegations he made against Duterte.

- By DAPHNE GALVEZ

Ramil Madriaga, who claimed to be a former aide of Duterte, had alleged that Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) and drug lords bankrolled Duterte’s campaign in May 2022.

Madriaga’s lawyer Mark Anthony Te submitted yesterday the former’s sworn affidavit to the Office of the Ombudsman.

Madriaga executed the affidavit on Nov. 29. It was notarized by lawyer Cynthia Vinas-Pantonal, according to Te.

According to Madriaga, Duterte’s campaign when she ran for vice president was backed by POGOs and drug dealers.

He claimed that Duterte and her security aides had ordered him to deliver millions of pesos in cash in duffle bags.

Madriaga alleged that in 2019, Duterte directed him to form ISIP or the Inday Sara Duterte is my President movement.

According to him, ISIP was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and served as a nationwide support network for Duterte’s original bid for the presidency in 2022.

One of the sections in his affidavit was titled “confidential funds.”