VP Duterte camp says alleged bagman Ramil Madriaga could become ‘star witness’ for defense

Vice President Sara Duterte’s legal defense team asserted on Wednesday that prosecution witness Ramil Madriaga could end up serving as a "star witness" for the defense should he be presented in the Vice President's impeachment proceedings.

During a Zoom press briefing, defense attorney Paolo Panelo stated that Madriaga remains on the defense's witness list despite reports suggesting the prosecution may choose to drop him.

"If the prosecution presents Ramil Madriaga, it’s their funeral because he will be torn apart during cross-examination," Panelo stated, expressing confidence that the defense can undermine Madriaga's credibility through evidence assembled for perjury complaints filed against him.

The defense team filed its second perjury complaint against Madriaga on Monday, citing alleged false statements in his supplemental affidavit. Panelo confirmed they will petition to consolidate the two filings, noting that both cover nearly identical events and circumstances.

The combined complaints span roughly 750 pages and incorporate affidavits from 12 distinct witnesses.

In its filings, the defense systematically challenged specific allegations made by Madriaga:

Geographic Inconsistencies: Panelo refuted Madriaga’s claim of seeing an S&R establishment from a Cabuyao, Laguna industrial park, stating no such establishment exists in that location.

Refuted Late-Night Delivery: Madriaga alleged delivering a large bag to a Tomas Morato Japanese restaurant around midnight on Dec. 21, 2022. Citing sworn statements from the owner and party host, Panelo noted the location was hosting a private gathering of over 40 people.

Unsubstantiated Ombudsman Deliveries: Madriaga identified Atty. Ryan Quilala as the intended recipient of alleged deliveries to the Office of the Ombudsman. Panelo clarified that Quilala was working remotely for the entirety of December 2022, while Ombudsman Samuel Martires was out of the country on Dec. 21.

Art Ownership Certification: The defense submitted an affidavit from artist Tanya Gaisano-Li, who confirmed that she created the painting Madriaga claimed to have provided to Vice President Duterte, and that she handed it to the Vice President directly.

Questioned Bank Instruments: The latest perjury charge includes comparative evidence alleging that a LandBank manager's check submitted by Madriaga deviates significantly from official LandBank documents obtained by the defense.

-Paraluman News