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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Demolition job': Panelo blasts Madriaga affidavits as 'fabricated,' claims plot vs VP Sara ahead of 2028 polls

'Demolition job': Panelo blasts Madriaga affidavits as 'fabricated,' claims plot vs VP Sara ahead of 2028 polls

Veteran Duterte ally alleges coordinated political attack tied to impeachment controversy

Published Apr 15, 2026 02:03 pm

At A Glance

  • Duterte camp slams Ramil Madriaga's affidavits as fabricated, alleges coordinated political plot vs VP Sara Duterte
  • Duterte ally and former chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo rejected Madriaga's affidavits, calling them a "tall tale consisting of incredible and false narratives"
  • He also alleged a coordinated political plot targeting VP Sara Duterte and former President Rodrigo Duterte ahead of the 2028 elections
Vice President Sara Duterte announces bid for presidency in the 2028 national elections during a press briefing in Mandaluyong City on February 18, 2026. (Santi San Juan / Manila Bulletin file) 
Vice President Sara Duterte announces bid for presidency in the 2028 national elections during a press briefing in Mandaluyong City on February 18, 2026. (Santi San Juan / Manila Bulletin file) 
Former chief presidential legal counsel Salvador S. Panelo on Wednesday, April 15, slammed the affidavits and testimony of Ramil Madriaga as “fabricated,” describing them as a “tall tale” filled with “incredible and false narratives.”
The remarks form part of the escalating defense mounted by allies of Vice President Sara Duterte amid the ongoing impeachment controversy and political tensions.
In a strongly worded statement, Panelo said Madriaga’s claims were “expected and unsurprising,” alleging that the testimony came from a “polluted source” and lacked credibility.
He further claimed that the allegations were part of a broader, orchestrated campaign targeting both Duterte and her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Allegations framed as political attack
Panelo argued that the accusations were “engineered by the enemies” of the Duterte camp, describing them as a calculated move to remove the Vice President from office and block her potential bid in the 2028 presidential elections.
He also alleged that the supposed campaign aims to further damage the former president’s reputation—one he has consistently defended during and after his administration.
“Obviously, it is engineered by the enemies of PRRD [President Rodrigo Roa Duterte] and VP Sara to pursue a demolition job against the two, calculated to remove VP Sara from office, disqualify her from running in the 2028 presidential elections, and continue besmirching the character and reputation of PRRD as well,” Panelo said.
Duterte ally reinforces defense
Panelo remains a central figure within the Duterte political circle, having served as chief presidential legal counsel and later as presidential spokesperson.
He has consistently defended the policies and public positions of both the former president and Vice President Duterte, particularly amid mounting scrutiny tied to the impeachment complaint and proceedings.
His latest remarks come as political tensions intensify and narratives surrounding the Vice President continue to dominate public discourse.
Ongoing dispute
Madriaga’s affidavits and testimony have become a focal point in the impeachment controversy, with the Duterte camp repeatedly challenging their credibility and relevance.
READ:
https://mb.com.ph/2026/04/14/sara-duterte-impeachment-panelo-calls-madriaga-weakest-link
Despite the escalating exchanges, no independent ruling has yet been issued on the veracity of the claims. The dispute highlights intensifying political positioning ahead of the 2028 national elections. 
RELATED STORY: 
https://mb.com.ph/2026/04/14/panelo-madriaga-claims-pure-fiction-may-bolster-vp-sara-dutertes-defense

Related Tags

Sara Duterte impeachment Salvador Panelo statement Ramil Madriaga affidavits Duterte political controversy Philippines elections 2028
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