Sara Duterte's camp: We want Madriaga alive
Vice President Sara Duterte's legal team has stated they want Ramil Madriaga, who claimed to be her 'bagman,' to remain unharmed, refuting allegations that Duterte had anything to do with reported death threats against him and expressing a desire for his eventual confession.
Ramil Madriaga, who claims to be Vice President Sara Duterte's 'bagman,' faced a reported threat to his life on March 3, 2026, while detained at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City. The incident occurred around 5 p.m. on the second floor of the Delta Dormitory at the Metro Manila District Jail Annex 2, where an inmate allegedly threatened Madriaga. His legal team, including attorneys Raymund Palad and Mark Anthony Te, described it as a 'threat to his life' that was neutralized, and they requested the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to verify details, identify the inmate, and confirm protective measures.
Vice President Sara Duterte and her camp have strongly denied any involvement in the alleged death threat. Her lawyer, Paolo Panelo Jr., stated on March 6 that Duterte had 'no hand' in it and actually supports extra protection for Madriaga. Panelo argued that Duterte's camp wants Madriaga alive so he can eventually retract his 'fabricated' testimony or provide details to disprove it. The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) clarified that the incident stemmed from an altercation with another detainee rather than an orchestrated threat.
Madriaga's legal team sent a letter to NBI Director Melvin Matibag seeking confirmation of the threat's nature and any investigations. This development comes amid Duterte's perjury complaint filed against Madriaga on March 4, where she refuted his claims of transporting money for her and denied any personal relationship or instructions to him. Madriaga's December 2025 affidavit to the Ombudsman alleged he delivered large sums from drug dealers and Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) to fund Duterte's Inday Sara Duterte is My President (ISIP) campaign.
These claims by Madriaga are central to impeachment complaints against Duterte, which she calls baseless and desperate bids for his release. Rep. Leila de Lima called for additional protection for Madriaga on March 5 amid the reported threats. The situation highlights the ongoing legal and political tensions surrounding Duterte's impeachment proceedings, with Madriaga's testimony being a key element in the case against her.
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