MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte has publicly rejected claims made by a prominent news outlet linking her to Ramil Madriaga, described as her alleged “ex-aide” or “bagman.” The statement came on March 4, 2026, following her filing of a perjury complaint against Madriaga at the Office of the City Prosecutor in Taguig.

In her official statement, VP Sara emphasized that Madriaga has never been part of her office, personal staff, or professional circle in any capacity. “Madriaga as my ‘ex-aide’ or ‘bagman’ are inaccurate and misleading,” she asserted. According to the Vice President, labeling Madriaga in this way assumes the truth of the very allegations her legal complaint seeks to disprove. She further clarified that the only person who reportedly has connections with Madriaga is Atty. R. Quilala of ISIP Pilipinas.

The Vice President also called on media organizations to exercise caution and prioritize accuracy and fairness in reporting, warning that the spread of false narratives can have serious political and legal consequences. The perjury complaint addresses allegedly false sworn statements and affidavits issued by Madriaga that contained unverified claims about VP Sara, which have fueled political discussions, including topics linked to impeachment complaints. This incident highlights the delicate balance between press freedom and accountability. In an era where misinformation spreads rapidly, even a single inaccurate report can damage reputations, influence public perception, and affect political stability. It raises an essential question: How can media organizations maintain journalistic integrity while reporting on high-stakes political controversies without contributing to the spread of disinformation? (Larawan mula: Inday Sara Duterte / Bilyonaryo News Channel)