MANILA – A former aide to Vice President Sara Duterte has submitted an affidavit to the Office of the Ombudsman detailing his alleged involvement in delivering large sums of cash in duffel bags on her orders during her time as Davao City mayor and vice president. The sworn statement by Ramil Lagunoy Madriaga, filed on December 16, 2025, provides graphic accounts of handoffs at locations including a Quezon City comedy bar, the Ombudsman parking lot, SM Megamall, and a Novaliches residence—reviving scrutiny over Duterte’s handling of confidential funds amid ongoing plunder complaints.
Madriaga, who described himself as part of Duterte’s security detail and support network, claimed the deliveries occurred in 2022, involving millions in cash transported by car or left in vehicles for recipients. Specific incidents cited:
- December 2022: Duffel bag to a Laguna mayor’s representative and a Timog Avenue comedy bar (frequented by San Sebastian College alumni).
- Leaving a bag in a car inside the Ombudsman compound, later allegedly driven by a prosecutor’s wife.
- January 2022: Multiple drops to a “Santiago family” in Jordan Plains, Novaliches.
Madriaga’s lawyer, Raymund Palad, said the Ombudsman could subpoena his client’s phones (in Manila RTC custody) for verification. The aide also alleged Duterte’s 2022 vice presidential campaign received backing from POGOs and drug dealers, tying into broader claims of fund misuse.
The affidavit bolsters a December 12 plunder complaint against Duterte and 15 OVP/DepEd officials over P612.5 million in confidential funds, accused of diversion via fictitious recipients and irregular vouchers. Progressive lawmakers like Reps. Antonio Tinio, Sarah Elago, and Renee Co urged the Ombudsman to prioritize Madriaga’s testimony as “important” evidence.
Duterte’s camp has dismissed related charges as “recycled” and politically motivated, with no direct response to Madriaga’s latest claims yet.
This development intensifies the confidential funds saga—a flashpoint in Duterte’s rift with the Marcos administration—turning a former insider’s words into potential ammunition for prosecutors.
Alleged Deliveries Snapshot (Per Madriaga Affidavit):
| Date/Period | Location/Details | Amount/Method |
|---|---|---|
| December 2022 | Laguna mayor rep; Timog comedy bar | Duffel bag(s) cash |
| Undated 2022 | Ombudsman parking lot (car drop) | Duffel bag; key left on tire |
| January 2022 | Novaliches gated village (Santiago family) | Multiple car deliveries |