Metro Manila, Philippines – Safety concerns involving Ramil Madriaga, a detained former military agent linked to allegations against Vice President Sara Duterte, may be raised once the House of Representatives begins formal hearings on the impeachment complaints, the chairperson of the House justice committee said.
House justice committee chairperson Gerville Luistro said motions related to the safety of witnesses, including Madriaga, may be filed when the proceedings reach the hearing stage.
“Once the hearing proper starts, they can actually file whatever motion they desire concerning the safety of witness Ramil Madriaga,” Luistro said in an interview on The Newsmaker.
Madriaga’s lawyer earlier asked the National Bureau of Investigation to look into alleged threats to his client’s life from a fellow inmate while he is in detention.
Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila de Lima, who endorsed one of the impeachment complaints against Duterte, raised the issue and called for protection for Madriaga, who may testify in the proceedings.
Madriaga executed an affidavit claiming he delivered bags of cash to several individuals on Duterte’s orders — allegations cited in the impeachment complaints against the vice president.
Luistro said that before the justice committee determines whether the complaints have sufficient grounds to proceed to formal hearings, Madriaga may seek protection from the appropriate government agency overseeing his detention.
“Meantime that we have not determined yet the sufficient ground that supports the impeachment complaint, it is better for Madriaga to solicit the help of his mother agency, which is the Department of the Interior and Local Government,” she said.
Luistro said Madriaga has been detained at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, which is under the DILG.
The House justice committee recently ruled that two impeachment complaints against Duterte are sufficient in substance, allowing the process to move forward to the next stage.
If lawmakers later determine there are sufficient grounds to proceed, the committee will hold formal hearings where witnesses may be invited to testify and evidence will be presented.
Luistro said Madriaga’s testimony could be considered by the panel if offered by complainants, noting that lawmakers would assess his credibility during the proceedings.
“Well, of course that is being offered by the complainant, so we should hear the testimony of Madriaga for us to be able to assess his credibility,” she said.
“They have the right to cross-examine Madriaga, and the justice members can also raise various questions to determine his credibility,” she added.
Duterte has filed a perjury complaint against Madriaga over his allegations.
Her legal counsel, Paolo Panelo, earlier denied any involvement by the vice president in the alleged threats against the detained former military agent.
