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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Panelo: Madriaga claims 'pure fiction,' may bolster VP Sara Duterte's defense

Panelo: Madriaga claims 'pure fiction,' may bolster VP Sara Duterte's defense

Legal counsel says allegations of term-sharing deal, ouster plot, and assassination scheme lack evidence

Published Apr 14, 2026 09:44 am
The camp of Vice President Sara Duterte dismissed the allegations of Ramil Madriaga as “pure fiction,” saying the claims could strengthen her legal defense. (Manila Bulletin/file)
The camp of Vice President Sara Duterte dismissed the allegations of Ramil Madriaga as “pure fiction,” saying the claims could strengthen her legal defense. (Manila Bulletin/file)
Vice President Sara Duterte’s legal counsel, Salvador Paolo A. Panelo Jr., on Tuesday, April 14, dismissed as “pure fiction” the allegations made by Ramil Madriaga, saying these could ultimately strengthen her defense.
In a statement, Panelo referred to a handwritten letter by Madriaga dated April 11, which allegedly outlined claims of a secret term-sharing agreement, a planned ouster, and even assassination plots against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“This is precisely what I meant when I said that the more Ramil Madriaga speaks, the better it becomes for Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense,” Panelo said.
“His allegations of a secret term-sharing agreement, planned ouster, and assassination plots against PBBM are pure fiction and not even remotely believable,” he added.
Panelo reiterated that the accusations lack evidence, stressing that no proof has been presented to substantiate the claims.
“If the need arises, we will be happy to refute each delusional claim point by point with evidence — something that has eluded all his allegations, past and present,” he said.
Panelo also warned that calls for Madriaga to testify may backfire, arguing that such a move would only expose inconsistencies in his statements.
“Making Madriaga testify would just reveal his lack of credibility and expose his lies,” Panelo said, adding that the allegations are already unraveling even before any formal testimony.
“He has now succeeded in doing exactly that even before uttering a single word under oath in the House Justice Committee,” he added.
The House justice committee is set to hold its first public hearing on the impeachment complaint against Duterte on April 14. 

Related Tags

Sara Duterte Vice President Sara Duterte Ramil Madriaga allegations Sara Duterte impeachment House Justice Committee testimony Marcos assassination claim Philippines VP Sara
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