APRIL 16, 2026 — The political drama in Manila just got darker: Ramil Madriaga, who claims to be Vice President Sara Duterte’s alleged bagman, has now named contracted hitmen in sworn testimony, fueling allegations of assassination plots and coup whispers against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed that Madriaga has already identified individuals allegedly tapped as hired killers. 

“It was an option from the very start. In fact, may mga na-name na siya na contracted hitman. I think it will come out in the future testimonies. Lalabas pa,” Remulla said in a televised interview.

(It was an option from the very start. In fact, he has already named contracted hitmen. I think it will come out in the future testimonies. More will be revealed.)

Madriaga’s supplemental affidavit, read during the House justice panel’s impeachment hearing against Vice President Duterte, accused former President Rodrigo Duterte of plotting either an assassination or a coup against Marcos if he refuses to step down by 2025. The Duterte camp quickly dismissed the claims as “pure fiction.”

Malacañang has left the matter to the National Bureau of Investigation, stressing that it’s up to the NBI to verify Madriaga’s explosive claims. Remulla, meanwhile, reminded the public that threats against the President are constant. 

“There is always a credible threat against the President. It will never disappear, whether it comes from that camp or any other camp,” he said. 

Adding fuel to the fire, Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte lashed out at Marcos during the launch of the RAGE Coalition, accusing the administration of corruption and declaring, “Isang ulo lang naman ang kailangan namin. Ang ulo ni Bongbong Marcos.” 

(We only need one head. The head of Bongbong Marcos.)

Remulla downplayed Baste’s tirades, calling them immature. 

“If you want to lead the country, you have to be more statesmanlike. Pero kung gano’n ang salita mo, tapos puro hirit ka lang, eh kumbaga noong college tayo, tawag mo doon ‘supot’ talaga (But if that’s how you speak, just throwing barbs, well back in college we’d call ‘supot’).” 

This saga isn’t just about political elites trading accusations. It raises urgent questions about stability, governance, and the credibility of institutions. Allegations of assassination plots and coup attempts shake public confidence, while fiery rhetoric from political heirs risks normalizing dangerous talk.

The bigger issue? We are left wondering whether leaders are focused on solving inflation, jobs, and public safety — or locked in a power struggle that threatens to derail the country’s future.

Are we really watching the defense of democracy, or just another family feud dragging the nation down?

(Image: DILG Philippines | Facebook)