Metro Manila, Philippines – Vice President Sara Duterte does not need to personally confront witness Ramil Madriaga in the House impeachment hearing, as his testimony “will not stand,” her lawyer Salvador Panelo said in an interview on The Newsmaker.
Panelo, who represents Duterte in a perjury case against Madriaga, said the witness lacks evidence and credibility, insisting his claims will collapse under scrutiny once he testifies.
“Well, first, he has no evidence to support his claims. On the other hand, VP Sara has all of the evidence to prove that he is lying,” Panelo said.
He said Madriaga’s allegations are contradicted by documentary evidence and testimonies from other witnesses, while also questioning his background.
“He’s not credible because he’s a career criminal… currently detained for kidnapping for ransom,” Panelo said.
Panelo said the defense is not concerned about Madriaga’s appearance in the April 14 hearing, saying his testimony could even strengthen their case.
“In fact, we’re happy that they’re focusing on Madriaga… the more he talks, the better for us… because we know that he’s lying,” he said.
He reiterated that Duterte’s presence is not necessary to disprove the allegations.
“Kasi hindi naman kailangan… Ramil Madriaga can destroy his own credibility by himself,” Panelo said.
[Translation: It is not necessary, Ramil Madriaga can destroy his own credibility by himself.]
“Her attendance won’t make his allegations against her true,” he added.
Panelo also raised questions about the timing of Madriaga’s testimony, noting that the witness surfaced only months after the confidential funds issue became public.
“It’s suspicious that he only came out just in time for the lapse of the one-year period,” he said, referring to impeachment rules.
He suggested the possibility of political motives behind the testimony, saying anyone who stands to benefit from Duterte’s impeachment could be involved.
Despite this, Panelo said the camp is prepared to counter Madriaga’s claims in legal proceedings and in the court of public opinion.
“There’s legal and there’s public perception, we’re fighting it on both fronts,” he said.
Madriaga is expected to testify at the House committee on justice on April 14 as lawmakers examine allegations tied to the vice president’s use of confidential funds, a key issue in the impeachment complaints.
