Sara: Madriaga’s accusations ‘nothing but noise’Vice President Sara Duterte attends the House Committee on Appropriations' deliberation on the Office of the Vice President's (OVP's) proposed 2026 budget on September 16, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte yesterday dismissed accusations made by Ramil Madriaga, who claims to be her bagman, saying these were “nothing more than noise” meant to undermine her possible bid for the presidency in the 2028 elections. Bare allegations, no matter how loudly repeated, amount to nothing more than noise,” Duterte said in a statement. The Vice President said the former military agent is facing serious criminal charges and has a prior criminal record, suggesting his allegations may be a desperate attempt to secure his release from detention. The law firm maintained that the video clearly shows Madriaga’s role in Duterte’s campaign reception and said this should be considered in assessing his claims.

Source: Philippine Star December 22, 2025 16:07 UTC