Prosecutor moves to dismiss VP Sara perjury rap vs. Madriaga

Vice President Sara Duterte and former military agent Ramil Madriaga (Courtesy: Office of the Vice President / Ver Noveno)

A Taguig City prosecutor has recommended the dismissal of the perjury complaint filed by Vice President Sara Duterte against retired Marine Ramil Madriaga, who identified himself as her alleged former bagman.

In a 19-page resolution, the Taguig Prosecutors’ Office said the evidence presented by Duterte failed to establish sufficient basis to pursue the complaint.

“While complainant has presented evidence disputing respondent’s assertions, the evidence presently on record does not establish prima facie, with reasonable certainty of conviction, that respondent knowingly and willfully made materially false statements under oath in violation of Article 183 of the Revised Penal Code,” the resolution read.

Madriaga, through his lawyer Mark Anthony Te, welcomed this development, saying the resolution serves as a clear reminder that the strength of a case is not measured by media attention but by evidence.

“No amount of publicity can substitute for proof. No title, office, or political influence can cue the absence of sufficient evidence. The legal process remains anchored on facts, evidence, and the applicable standard required by law,” Te said in a statement.

“This dismissal is an important vindication of his (Madriaga’s) position… The pursuit of truth and justice is rarely easy, especially when one is made to stand against powerful interests. But this Resolution demonstrates that power does not have the final word. Evidence does,” he added.

Duterte filed the complaint on March 4, 2026, accusing Madriaga of making false statements about his relationship with her and his alleged involvement in her campaign.

Madriaga had stated in a sworn affidavit in December 2025 that he delivered cash to Duterte.

The Vice President denied the allegations and said she had no relationship with the former military personnel.

Duterte filed another perjury complaint against Madriaga on August 17, accusing him of making “malicious and deliberate falsehoods.” The complaint was supported by sworn statements from Duterte, 12 other witnesses and documentary evidence.

Madriaga was among the personalities who testified during previous House legislative inquiries into various allegations of corruption against the vice president.

Duterte is facing an impeachment trial over the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential and intelligence funds in 2022 and 2023, among other complaints. — Gwyneth Nolasco