Once again, Philippine politics finds itself rattled by explosive allegations, secret affidavits, and mysterious prison visits that raise more questions than answers. At the center of this growing controversy is Ramil Madriga, a man once believed to be closely connected to the Duterte family—particularly Vice President Sara Duterte—who now sits behind bars at BJMP Camp Bagong Diwa.
Madriga’s story, as told through interviews, letters, and sworn statements, reads like a political thriller. According to accounts circulating online and in media circles, Madriga was previously considered a trusted associate within the Duterte orbit. That relationship, however, allegedly collapsed after he filed a complaint against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.
After filing the case, Madriga reportedly sought help from the Duterte family, specifically from VP Sara Duterte. What he claims he received instead was a chilling response: “If you sue Harry Roque, it’s like you’re suing the Duterte family.” From that point on, Madriga says, everything changed.
Soon after, he was arrested and detained at Bagong Diwa. The visits reportedly stopped. The support disappeared. And a former insider suddenly found himself isolated inside a maximum-security jail.
But the silence did not last.
According to reports, word eventually reached the Duterte camp that Madriga was preparing an affidavit—one that allegedly linked Vice President Sara Duterte to illegal drug activities and POGO operations. Whether through a tip or internal information, the reaction was swift. Prison visits allegedly resumed, sparking speculation: Were these visits meant to negotiate? To persuade? Or to prevent a damaging disclosure?
As rumors spread, another critical development emerged. Ramil Madriga wrote a letter asking for help from ML Party-list Representative Leila de Lima.
In that handwritten letter, Madriga claimed he was being harassed and framed because of the cases he had filed and the accusations he made. He alleged that Harry Roque and Roque’s wife were behind the cancellation of land titles in Mariveles, Bataan, and that his life had been threatened. This land dispute, according to Madriga, was connected to a previous controversy involving land supposedly granted under the Marcos administration and later nullified.
Madriga further claimed that the Office of the Ombudsman filed cases against him in February 2022, and that six months later, subpoenas were issued for kidnapping and murder charges. He asserted that several witnesses later recanted their testimonies—suggesting, in his view, a deliberate attempt to plant cases against him.
To many observers, these claims echoed past allegations made by witnesses who later admitted they were pressured during the previous administration. Several former detainees and officials have since said they were coerced into fabricating accusations, only to withdraw their statements years later.
Against this backdrop, Representative Leila de Lima herself confirmed receiving Madriga’s letter.
In a public statement, De Lima revealed that she received a handwritten letter dated November 17, sent through Madriga’s lawyer. In the letter, Madriga asked for assistance, saying he was being persecuted because of his accusations against Harry Roque and his involvement in a land-grabbing case in Mariveles, Bataan.
On November 29, De Lima received a copy of Madriga’s notarized affidavit. She described its contents as “extremely sensitive and serious,” involving not only Vice President Sara Duterte but also the former president and other personalities. According to De Lima, the affidavit mentioned alleged deliveries of large sums of money—duffel bags transferred from vehicles—and instructions supposedly coming from high-ranking officials.
Because of the gravity of these allegations, De Lima dec
ided to personally visit Madriga at BJMP Camp Bagong Diwa on December 8. Accompanied by his lawyer and under CCTV surveillance, she interviewed him for more than two hours.
De Lima emphasized that she approached the interview cautiously, playing devil’s advocate and asking detailed, probing questions. She said she demanded proof—evidence to support claims of phone calls, instructions, and direct involvement by top officials, including the Vice President and even the former president.
According to De Lima, Madriga insisted that he possessed evidence and that more affidavits could follow. Still, she made it clear that she would reserve judgment until she could review any supporting materials. Drawing from her own experience as a former justice secretary and political detainee, De Lima stressed the importance of caution in cases involving powerful figures and life-altering accusations.
Meanwhile, videos circulating on social media added fuel to the fire. Vlogger Pebols Kunanan documented his visit to Bagong Diwa’s Annex 2, where Madriga is detained. In the video, Kunanan claimed Madriga told him that people allegedly connected to VP Sara Duterte had begun visiting him again—an unexpected development after years of being ignored.
“Why now?” observers asked. “What changed?”
For Kunanan and others following the case, the timing raised suspicions. Why would visits resume only after an affidavit surfaced? Was it damage control—or fear of further revelations?
As of now, no court has ruled on the truth of Madriga’s claims. The allegations remain allegations. The affidavit remains under scrutiny. And the supposed evidence has yet to be publicly presented.
What is undeniable, however, is the political weight of the accusations and the shockwaves they have already sent through the public discourse. In a country where power, loyalty, and silence often collide, Ramil Madriga’s letter and affidavit have reopened old wounds and revived long-standing fears about abuse, coercion, and impunity.
For Madriga, the letter was a cry for help.
For the public, it is a demand for transparency.
And for those named in the affidavit, it is a looming question that refuses to fade.
